What it feels like
Merrimac was settled in 1638 as part of Salisbury, later belonged to Amesbury, and became its own town in 1876. Through the 1800s it was known for building horse-drawn carriages, and the older houses around the center still show it.
Today it is one of the quieter towns in the Greater Newburyport Area: about 6,700 people on under 9 square miles, with Merrimac Square at the center and more open land the farther you go from it.
Parts of town
Merrimac Square and the town center
The historic center, where the town’s shops, offices and older homes sit closest together.
Merrimacport
A village along the Merrimack River that was once separate from the town center.
Around Lake Attitash
Lake Attitash covers about 360 acres on the line with Amesbury. Merrimac’s town beach, Indian Head Park, is here, and the lake has a public boat launch. People swim and boat in summer and ice fish in winter.
Getting around
I-495 runs through town at Exit 115, and Route 110 runs just north of it. The nearest commuter rail stations are in Haverhill and Newburyport.
Schools
Merrimac is part of the Pentucket Regional School District with Groveland and West Newbury. Elementary students attend the Sweetsir and Donaghue schools, and Pentucket Regional Middle and High School are in West Newbury. For current ratings and enrollment, see the district and the state’s school profiles.