Soon after Amesbury was settled in 1642, the rushing waters of the Powow River were harnessed for mills, and the modest farming community began its ascent into American industrial history. Amesbury, it is believed, was the site of the first American factory to produce machine-made nails. Shipbuilding, followed in the 19th century by textile mills, dominated the settlement’s early industry. From 1853 until well into the 1900’s, Amesbury carriages, known around the world for their workmanship and style, were the economic heartbeat of the town. At its peak, the Merrimack Hat Factory produced more headgear than any of its competitors.
Today, Amesbury is home to companies such as ARC Technologies, Bartley Machine & Manufacturing Co., The Provident Bank and Munters Cargocaire.