The beautiful Merrimack Valley comprises several towns and municipalities, each with their own unique micro-culture and community. And they all have something of their own to offer to residents and visitors alike who visit the greater Merrimack Valley area.
Today, we will focus on the Town of Billerica which is located 20 miles northwest of Boston and is situated in the southern part of the Greater Merrimack Valley region. The town is south of Lowell and borders it. Similarly to other towns in the area, Billerica was settled by Europeans sometime in the late 1640s and incorporated as a town in 1655. The land belonged to the Shawsheen Indigenous people.
Billerica is the only town in the US to have this name. It was most likely named after Billericay located in England. Many families within the area relocated to Billerica, though some did arrive directly from England to settle there.
Middlesex Canal
Today, the remnants of the historic Middlesex Canal are now part of a renovation project aimed at restoring portions of this landmark waterway that once traversed the town from north to south. It was considered the superhighway of the day, and visitors to the Middlesex Canal Museum can discover more about it. Maps, drawings, artifacts and more can be found at the museum and visitor center of the Middlesex Canal. Learn how the Canal affected rural life from Lowell to Boston, and play with a model lock!
Yankee Doodle Homecoming Weekend
The town is also well-known for its Yankee Doodle Homecoming Weekend in September, which celebrates Billerica patriot Thomas Ditson, who is believed to be the subject of the classic American song, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” More about the event from the Yankee Doodle Homecoming Inc.:
Billerica Yankee Doodle Homecoming, Inc., was started 30 years ago in order to provide a community-wide, multifaceted event. It is a tradition now draped in history.
The day starts with a parade and the afternoon is filled with fun activities for the young and the young-at-heart. It features a wide variety of events, vendors, crafters, local organizations, food, demonstrations as well as a Colonial Minutemen Encampment all to benefit the citizens of our community.
The day ends with fireworks and a band at the Marshall Middle School.
More About Billerica
Here are some quick facts we’ve compiled about Billerica:
- Incorporated in: 1655
- Population: 40,243
- Total Area: 26.4 square miles
- Land Area: 25.9 square miles
- Density: 1555 square miles
- Median Household Income: $91,882
- Median Household Size: 2.9
