FIFTY YEARS A CITY.

T

HE growth of Worcester during the second quarter of this century was phenomenal. From a total of 3,650 souls in 1825 the population increased to 17,049 in 1850. Business, valuation, and returns from taxation kept pace accordingly. In 1825 the valuation was $2,437,550; in 1850 it was $11,082,501. During this period trade enormously increased, and manufactures greatly multiplied in number and value of products, giving some indications of the still more marvelous growth which was to follow. In many other evidences was the general prosperity manifest and unmistakable. The reasons for this wonderful change in so short a time are plain. The opening of the Blackstone canal in 1828 gave the first impetus to this upward movement, and the building of the several railroads from 1835 to 1850* continued the influx of population and business until Worcester outgrew the limits and the manners of a rural community. Under these conditions the general meetings of the voters were found to be unwieldy, and other difficulties presented themselves which could be obviated only by change of forms and methods in conducting the affairs of the corporate interest. So new powers were asked and granted, and Worcester became a city.

On the 8th of November, 1847, in general meeting, it was voted to choose a committee of ten to present to the Legislature a petition for a city charter, and also to draft an act in such form as they should deem most for the interest of the town. The members of this committee were Levi Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, Ira M. Barton, Isaac Davis, Benjamin F. Thomas, Edward Earle, James Estabrook, Alfred D. Foster, Thomas Kinnicutt and Ebenezer L. Barnard. The efforts of these citizens were successful in the General Court, and on the 29th day of February, 1848, the act granting the powers and privileges desired was signed by the governor, George N. Briggs. On the 18th of March following, the charter was accepted by the inhabitants by a vote of 1,026 to 487 opposed.

*The Boston railroad was opened in 1835, the Western in 1839, the Norwich in 1840, the Providence in 1847, the Nashua in 1848, and the Fitchburg in 1850.