History
Danvers is a 14.1 sq. mile community which is rich in both history and beauty. The community was originally known as Salem Village and is comprised of land that once belonged to the Naumkeag branch of the Massachusetts tribe. Approximately around 1630, a main Naumkeag trail, later named Old Ipswich Road was expanded by the colonists and connected Danvers to its neighboring city Salem and all the way to Boston. Danvers was officially settled in 1636 as Salem Village and in 1752 later changed to Danvers Osborn who was one of its settlers; the town would then be incorporated in 1757.
Originally known for being an agricultural town, Danvers farmers had developed two unique breeds of vegetables. The first was the Danvers Onion, which is why Danvers has the nickname of “Onion Town”, the second is the Danvers half long carrot in 1871. The town is also famously known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in which local resident Rebecca Nurse was convicted of being a witch.
Other industry in the local Danvers economy was the shoe industry in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Unfortunately competition from other cities and towns undercut local Danvers companies and shoe manufacturing eventually moved out. Today Danvers is a thriving town, home to new development, large shopping malls, large local employers. In a 2009 financial report, the top 3 local employers in Danvers are, Osram Sylvania, Beverly Hospital and North Shore Community College.