Established in 1669 as a small farming village on the banks of the Merrimack River, Dracuts early settlers made their mark during the American Revolution. From French nobleman Louis Ansart, who became an American citizen and settled in the area, to Dracuts own Joseph Bradley Varnum, the town played a pivotal role in the founding of the nation. More recently, Dracut continues to be the home of modern-day patriots such as Michael Monahan, who left college to serve in the Vietnam War, and Capt. John Ogonowski, who gave his life on September 11, 2001. Dracut has been home to numerous other local legendsDr. Christos Daoulas was the longest-serving Massachusetts school superintendent, and Dennis Piendak oversaw incredible growth and expansion during his 28 years as town manager. Dracut was also home to the indomitable Polly Urquhart, whose name now graces the corner where her store once stood; Rev. Larry Zimmerman, the pastor of the Old Yellow Meeting House for 33 years; and Edmund Murphy, the dean of Massachusetts high school football coaches. These are a few of the many amazing people who came from a town that was once known as simply the wildernesse north of the Merrimac.
Dracut's diverse landscape, ranging from pastoral fields to vestiges of former textile mills, alludes to a history just as diverse, which can be traced back to 1665. The town was the first permanent Massachusetts settlement north of the Merrimack River; however, Dracut Revisited explores more closely the town's recent 20th-century history. Throughout the years, Dracut citizens have been industry employees at places such as Beaver Brook Mills and the Dracut Navy Yard. The town had the region's premier resort at Lake Mascuppic, the Lakeview Ballroom. It has also been home to numerous dairy farms, including Shaw Farm, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2008 and is one of a handful of active dairy farms that remain in the state. Dracut has a long record of serving in the nation's conflicts, from the American Revolution to September 11, 2001. Dracut has made great sacrifices and has been proud to honor the sacrifices of its citizens.
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