Quincy

Quincy. 1 kwĭnˈzē [key] City (1990 pop. 84,985), Norfolk co., E Mass., a suburb of Boston, on Boston Bay; settled 1634, set off from Braintree 1792, inc. as a city 1888. It has plants that make power transmissions, machinery, soaps, textile products, detergents, and chemicals. The Plymouth Colony broke up (1627) a trading post established (1625) in the area by Thomas Morton, but a new settlement began in 1634. Ironworks began operation in 1644, and Quincy's famed granite started to be quarried in 1750. The first railroad tracks in the United States were laid in Quincy in 1826. The city's large shipyards were of great importance in both world wars. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams were born in Quincy. They and their wives are buried in the First Parish Church (built 1828), which, along with their homes and birthplaces, is part of the Adams National Historical Park (see National Parks and Monuments, tablenational parks and monuments, table). John Hancock also was born there. Eastern Nazarene College is in the city.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. Political Geography