city, Essex county, northeastern Massachusetts, U.S., on the Merrimack River. Founded by the Reverend John Ward in 1640, it was named for Haverhill, England. Early agricultural efforts gave way to shipbuilding and leather industries during the early 19th century. By 1836 it had become a major centre of shoe, comb, and hat manufacturing, reaching its industrial peak in the 1920s. A decline in industrial activity eventually resulted in economic diversification, which now includes the production of electrical items, computerized systems, and shoes. Services and retail trade also are major sources of employment.

The birthplace of John Greenleaf Whittier (Whittier, John Greenleaf) (described in his poem Snow-Bound 【1866】) is preserved. Recreational areas include the grounds of Winnekenni Castle (1875), which is maintained by the city for public use, and the Millvale Reservoir. The city has a campus of Northern Essex Community College (1961). Bradford College was founded in 1803 as the Bradford Academy; in 1932 it became a junior college for women, and in 1971 it was made a coeducational four-year college. Inc. city, 1870. Pop. (1990) 51,418; (2000) 58,969.