Ipswich: Founding a Town in New England

Abstract

One of the most important things John Winthrop, Jr., did for New England was to found new towns. His first venture was a fishing village near Salem on Cape Ann, Agawam (later Ipswich). The land needed to be cleared, surveyed, parceled and houses built. Winthrop did his part, both in manual labor and in detailed planning and in political organization. His next big task was to recruit more Englishmen to immigrate to New England. He traveled end back to England and met many Puritan leaders. A successful recruiting trip included many figures that were to play a decisive role in Massachusetts and Connecticut history. John Winthrop, Jr., also made great progress in his desire to become an alchemical physician. Upon his return he founded the fort at Saybrook, Connecticut. He then returned to Ipswich and founded a saltworks for New England. During this time period he met a highly educated and wealthy alchemical physician named Robert Child during his tour of the Americas in search of opportunities. They remained good friends and he played an important part in the history of New England.