Milton

The lovely, affluent suburb known as Milton is nestled charmingly between the Neponset River and the Blue Hills, so that on all sides the countryside is a feast for the eyes. Although the first English traders used Milton as a stopping place in the 1620's, the earliest permanent settlement was not established until 1634.

Milton's rich lands and close proximity to water made it prime real estate for agriculture, and early settlers cashed in with barley, rye, and many different types of Indian corn. Despite its rich soil and good farming, industry came early to Milton. A prosperous powder mill established in 1674 is thought to be the earliest of its kind in all the colonies. This industry helped to take advantage of the town's valuable, nearby water supply in a whole new way - power. Boston investors, seeing the potential of the town and its proximity to the city, provided the capital to develop 18th century Milton as an important industrial site. An iron slitting mill, paper mills and sawmills blossomed quickly, and the first chocolate factory in New England was established in Milton in 1764.

Benjamin Crahore began making pianos in 1800, in what is thought to be the first piano factory in the entire country. Pianos would soon become a valuable luxury, and Milton prospered by mere association alone. An entrepreneur named Josiah Bent set up his Milton baking operation in 1801, selling a product he called "water crackers," a delight similar to biscuits made with flour and water. These water crackers were special because they did not deteriorate on long sea voyages. A crackling sound that occurred while baking helped lend the treats their name. It is from these early water crackers that a true American staple was devised – the cracker!

Situated at the head of tidewater, Milton soon became a bustling commercial trading center, where goods from the interior of America could be exchanged for West Indian goods – highly sought-after by colonists and settlers of all kinds. Prosperous Bostonians, including Governor Hutchinson, followed their investments and moved from Boston to Milton, creating an early estate district which grew side-by-side with 125 farms – still thriving despite changing economic values in the town.

By 1929, many of the big estates were broken up into subdivisions that helped to continue the town's quick residential growth. Milton now retains a several gorgeous 19th century country houses, estates, and early 19th century workers' housing that stands to remind visitors of the exciting, thrilling history that Milton so avidly contributed to. The Milton Historical Society works to maintain the memories of this prosperous past.

Also increasing the town's population were immigrants from Ireland, Nova Scotia, and Scotland. These early immigrants were drawn to the jobs the Community offered and the rich, prosperous setting that Milton provided. Nearby Harvard University built a stone tower on Big Blue, the tallest hill on the coast between Maine and Florida, to mark the meridian in alignment with its observatory in Cambridge. Big Blue assumed an important meteorological role, and in answer the state created a reservation that included the hill itself.

The prestigious Milton Academy and Fontbonne Academy were built during the 19th century, showing that Milton could become a town of academic achievement as well. The diversity of Milton helped the town expand very quickly with changing modern times. New streetcar lines fueled the rapid expansion of residential development and between 1870 and 1915. Powered by industry, agriculture, and a constant influx of new settlers, Milton grew into the Community it is now, a wealthy streetcar suburb with only some chocolates, biscuits and market produce to remind residents of the booming industrial past.

Academic achievement and Milton go hand in hand. Public schools in the town include four elementary establishments, the Charles S. Pierce Middle School, and Milton High. Private educational institutions include Thacher Montessori, St. Mary of the Hills, St. Agatha's, Fontbonne Academy, and Delphi Academy. Curry College is a wonderful, personal liberal arts college, and the well-known Milton Academy boasts a long tradition of excellence. Founded in 1798, Milton Academy celebrates a heritage of famously influential students. The alum of Milton Academy include well-known American writer and poet T. S. Elliot, and the famous politician Robert Kennedy.

Prosperity still reigns in Milton, as the U. S. Census shows that the median income for a household in town is just under eighty thousand per year, while the median income for a family is almost ninety-five thousand dollars annually. For those who want to enjoy a taste of the finer things in life, or just want to see them from a distance, go down to the historic and beautiful Milton Yacht Club, established in 1902.