Haverhill, Massachusetts, was founded by Reverend John Ward and colonists in 1640 after purchasing land from the Pentucket tribe. Officially incorporated in 1641, it was named after its English counterpart of Haverhill. In the early period the area relied on agriculture, fishing, and trade, with the Merrimack River central to its economy.

​

By the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Haverhill transitioned from a predominantly rural farming community to an active industrial center. In the early 1800s, the establishment of a robust cattle market facilitated the emergence of the shoe manufacturing industry. The city gained recognition for its prosperous shoe production sector and subsequently was referred to as "Queen Slipper City." At its height, Haverhill ranked among the major shoe producers in the United States, with numerous factories distributed throughout the city.

​

In the early 1900s, Haverhill produced nearly one out of every ten shoes. However, the city’s manufacturing industry quickly declined when cheaper imports from other countries began to pressure local factories during the mid-1920s, resulting in many businesses closing or moving elsewhere. Efforts to boost the economy included Western Electric’s arrival in the 1950s. During the 1960s, urban renewal projects led to the much-debated demolition of large portions of historic downtown Haverhill to modernize the area. Like much of New England, Haverhill faced deindustrialization, losing manufacturing jobs and finding it difficult to adapt to new industries.

​

Today, Haverhill is revitalizing with state and federal funds transforming old factories into mixed-use lofts and condos. Washington Street is now a dining and entertainment center, aided by riverfront enhancements like boardwalks and docks. Notably, the Harbor Place project restored public access to the Merrimack River downtown for the first time in over 80 years. The City of Haverhill's Master Plan creates a growth vision through the year 2035.

​