Peabody

Peabody is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, covering several miles and shaped by waterways like the Ipswich River. The town displays a mix of residential and commercial areas with both older structures and newer development.

The settlement was founded in 1626 by English colonists and transformed from farmland into a major leather manufacturing center during the 1700s. This industrial past shaped the town's growth and economic development.

The city preserves the George Peabody House Museum and Peabody Institute Library, which document the philanthropist George Peabody and local heritage. These spaces show how residents remember their past and honor influential figures who shaped the community.

Visitors can explore the downtown area on foot and find various local shops and restaurants throughout. Clear signage and public information boards help with navigation.

A tragic school fire in 1915 prompted nationwide safety reforms and changed building codes for public spaces across America. This event had lasting effects on safety standards for generations to come.

Location: Essex County

Inception: 1626

Elevation above the sea: 5 m

Shares border with: Lynn

Website: https://peabody-ma.gov

GPS coordinates: 42.52778,-70.92917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:37