Upper Green

In 1639, the town of Rowley was established to the south of Newbury, which meant, as more and more new settlers arrived, Newbury could only expand to the north and west. It was difficult for those living in the most northern reaches to attend twice-weekly meetings near the Lower Green. In 1642, it was decided to move the center of town closer to the Merrimack River, and build a new meeting house north of the original one. It took another four years before the move could be accomplished, as some were against the plan and did not want to move from their original meetinghouse. Even Rev. Parker appeared to be against it, and it was suggested Rev. James Noyes, the assistant, might lead a separate congregation. By 1646, though, the move was made and the church remained united. The new center of town grew up around the Upper Green, and a new meetinghouse was built just to the north of it, on the east side of High Road. The church stood where the First Parish Burying Ground is today.

The Upper Green was also the training ground for the local militia, beginning in 1646. The military significance does not end there, however. In September of 1775, three companies of riflemen camped opposite the green prior to leaving for Colonel Benedict Arnold’s ill-fated expedition to Quebec. A memorial on the green notes the event.

High Road between Hanover and Parkers Streets (33 High Road)