Stow History
Two men from Massachusetts, Matthew Boon from Gloucester and John Kettell from Charlestown, settled Stow around 1660. The Tantamous Native Americans also called "Pompocitticut", occupied the land at the time. Boon chose to settle on a hill by a lake, now named for him, surrounded by many acres. John Kettell chose a southwestern plot of flat land for farming.
During the Indian uprising in 1676 known as "King Philip's War" Boon's family went to the Sudbury Garrison House. Boon returned home with a son and a neighbor but all three were killed. John Kettell sent his family to the Lancaster Garrison, which was attacked and burned. The attackers captured twenty people, including Mrs. Rowlandson, the sister of John Kettell's wife. She and three of her children were among the captives for 11 weeks.
It is believed that all the captured were ransomed but Mrs. Rowlandson kept a journal of her experience. Therefore, we know that John Hoar, a militia leader and liaison in Massachusetts during King Philip's War, ransomed her and her children for £20. Mrs. Rowlandson's book, The Sovereignty, and Goodness of God: Being a Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson is the first book written and published by a Colonial Woman. The Kettell family reunited, sold the farm and moved back to Salem.
Living in Stow
Stow was incorporated in 1683 and today in a community of about 7,000 there are four golf courses, including Stow Acres Country Club, ranked among the best public courses in the state. Another draw in Stow is their apple orchards. It is a popular location for family outings during apple picking time. On a small private airstrip in Stow is the Collings Foundation dedicated to the preservation of automobile and aviation history. The Collings Foundation supports two touring collections of military aircraft: The Wings of Freedom Tour and The Vietnam Memorial Flight.
Interesting Fact
Located 21 miles west of Boston, Stow is a classic New England town that offers its residents and visitors alike an assortment of goings on. Whether you're looking for a day of antique shopping, strolling through art galleries, hiking through the nearby national and state parks, or simply a relaxing getaway to one of the town's beautiful Bed and Breakfasts, Stow and its surrounding towns are sure to take care of all of your needs.
Stow Schools
Nashoba Regional High School (9-12)
Luther Burbank Middle School (6-8)
Hale Middle School (6-8)
Mary Rowlandson Elementary School (K-5)
The Center School (PK-5)
