Author Archives: Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

About Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the author and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog. Rebecca is a journalist and history writer who got her start in journalism working for small-town newspapers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in journalism. She is a member of the American Historical Association, Historic Salem Inc, the Danvers Historical Society, the Salisbury Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents. Visit this site's About page to find out more about Rebecca.

Mammoth and a Paleoindian

First Known Inhabitants of Massachusetts

The first people to live in North America were Paleoindians who came from Asia at least 14,000 years ago after they crossed over the Bering land bridge. They lived during… Read more »

Avalonia

Geological History of Massachusetts

Approximately 2.5 billion years ago, the continent of North America was a part of an ancient supercontinent called Columbia. Much of North America eventually broke off of Columbia and became… Read more »

Prehistoric-Precolonial-Massachusetts

Prehistoric & Pre-Colonial Massachusetts

Massachusetts is so much older than we realize. The land that it occupies was created millions of years ago and was once home to volcanoes, dinosaurs, mammoths and Paleoindians. It… Read more »

Samuel Sewall, illustration, published in The Border Wars of New England, circa 1897

Salem Witch Trials Judges

The Salem Witch Trials judges were several men who served as judges during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. On May 27, 1692, Sir William Phips appointed nine of the… Read more »

King George II, illustration published in A History of the United States of America, circa 1832

History of King George’s War

King George’s War was a conflict between England and France in North America during the early 18th century. The war was the third in a series of French and Indian… Read more »