MASSACHUSETTS - A state deeply intertwined with the very beginnings of American history, established its administrative framework early in the colonial era. While Plymouth holds the title of the oldest town, the oldest counties still trace their origins back to 1643. On May 10 that year, the Massachusetts General Court divided the growing Massachusetts Bay Colony into its first counties, or "sheires."
Massachusetts' Foundational Pillars: The Oldest Counties Established in 1643
Three original divisions – Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk – remain today, holding the shared distinction of being the oldest counties in the Commonwealth.
1643: Organizing the Massachusetts Bay Colony
As the Massachusetts Bay Colony expanded in the early 17th century, the need for a more structured governance and judicial administration became evident. The Massachusetts General Court, the colony's legislative body, addressed this need in 1643. On May 10, 1643, the court ordered "that the whole plantation within this jurisdiction be divided into four series," officially creating the colony's first county-level administrative units.
The Original Four "Sheires"
The four original "series" (an early spelling of shires, synonymous with counties) established in 1643 were:
- Essex County
- Middlesex County
- Suffolk County
- Norfolk County (Original)
The Enduring Three
While four counties were initially created, the boundaries and affiliations shifted over time. The original Norfolk County primarily encompassed settlements north of the Merrimack River and was eventually absorbed into the territory that became New Hampshire; it is unrelated to the modern Norfolk County, Massachusetts (which was formed much later).
This leaves Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties as the oldest continuously existing counties in Massachusetts, all sharing the same founding date of May 10, 1643.
- Essex County: Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is known for its coastal towns and maritime history (including Salem and Gloucester).
- Middlesex County: Situated northwest of Boston, encompassing early settlements like Cambridge and Concord, and historically an extensive and populous county.
- Suffolk County: Centered around Boston, the colony's principal port and political hub, making it historically significant from its inception.
Significance and Legacy
Creating these counties was a fundamental step in developing Massachusetts' governmental structure. They provided the framework for local administration, courts, and representation, shaping the political landscape of the colony and influencing the development of county systems elsewhere in New England. These counties have witnessed nearly four centuries of Massachusetts history, from the colonial era through the American Revolution and into the modern day.
Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties, established on May 10, 1643, stand as the foundational administrative pillars of Massachusetts. As the oldest continuously existing counties in the Commonwealth, they represent a direct link to the earliest days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the origins of structured governance in the region. Exploring the history within these counties offers a journey back to the very roots of Massachusetts and its significant role in shaping American history.
Share This Article on Social Media
Sources:
- Massachusetts Archives
- Records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
- Massachusetts Historical Society
- Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Respective County Historical Societies (Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk)
