An independent nonprofit 501c3 history center.
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A Brief History of Andover
A Brief History of Andover
Armenian immigrants settled and farmed in West Andover.
Armenian immigrants settled and farmed in West Andover.
Scots immigrants shaped the area of Andover around the Smith & Dove mills.
Scots immigrants shaped the area of Andover around the Smith & Dove mills.
1646-today Immigrants to Andover
From earliest European settlers to today, immigrants - voluntary and not - have shaped Andover. The first British settlers laid the foundation of what would come later.
Scots immigrants, recruited by Smith and Dove, shaped much of the area around Dundee Park.
In the 1910s, refugees from the Armenian genocide began to settle and farm in West Andover. Once settled, they often helped other family members and neighbors from the hometown come to Andover. There was a time when Armenian farms dotted Chandler Road. Asoian, Dargoonian, Loosigian, Sarkisian, and Colombosian families all owned and managed farms in Andover.
The high-tech boom following World War II brought new residents to Andover. Following World War II, electronics and technological manufacturing companies began to diversify their locations. Post-war
expansion propelled technology companies to from cities like New York and Chicago to smaller communities. An industrial town like Andover was well placed to benefit from this influx of highly educated employees. Empty mill buildings were perfectly suited for these new electronics-based industries.
Between 1956 and 1960, Andover’s population increased by 38%. From 1945 to 1970, the school population increased 4 fold.
Between 1956 and 1960, Andover’s population increased by 38%. From 1945 to 1970, the school population increased 4 fold.
With the advent of another high-tech boom in the 1980s and 1990s, demand for computer systems analysts, electrical engineers, technicians, and computer programmers grew exponentially in Massachusetts. By having an established presence in Andover, Raytheon and other high-tech employers were also able to benefit from the town’s growing reputation for quality education and small town lifestyle while building vast manufacturing complexes.
The high tech boom brought immigrants from Southeast Asian, India, China, and more to Andover. Each new immigrant group has added its culture to the character of the town.
Reference: Juliet Haines Mofford, Andover Massachusetts: Historical Selections from Four Centuries.
Preserving the pastEducating for the future
Connecting with our community
Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
