Demographics - Lynn's History

 

Lynn was first settled in 1629 and was officially incorporated in 1850.

Colonial Lynn was a major part of the regional shoemaking industry which started in 1635, and tannery industries of the early US colonies, which reportedly includes the boots worn by Continental Army soldiers during the Revolutionary War. This historic theme is reflected in the city seal, which features a colonial boot.

On May 21, 1852, the northern, more affluent section of the city seceded from Lynn and became Swampscott. After the split, each carved out its own respective niches in the economy; Swampscott took a path as the country’s first upscale resort town, while Lynn became host to a broad range of businesses based around the new concept of rapid production through machines.

Despite industrial expansion in the early 20th century, Lynn began to decline in the latter half of the century. But right around the new millennium, a number of new development projects in Lynn have led to a buzz that the city is once again experiencing a renaissance. Industrial buildings formerly left vacant have been bought and converted into loft spaces by real estate developers, and eagerly snapped up by young home buyers who enjoy the urban lifestyle of Boston but can’t afford the higher prices of lofts in Boston’s South End and similar neighborhoods.

Click on the links below for more information

Community Information
Provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

US Census Bureau
Lynn demographics provided by the US Census Bureau

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