City of Worcester
300 Years

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Chapter

Worcester Firsts/ Worcester's Influence

Groundbreakers

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Isaiah Thomas (1749-1831) published the Massachusetts Spy, printed the first American dictionary, and the third English Bible, and possibly the first American novel authored by a first- time author. American Antiquarian Society

Major Taylor (1878-1932). He is the first African-American athletic superstar to set seven records as the world’s fastest cyclist. He is celebrated in Worcester with a statue and a major thoroughfare named after him.

Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945) successfully launched the world’s first liquid-propulsion rocket in 1926. His technology would send men to the moon and a lander to Mars. Nasa

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) served as U.S. Secretary of Labor in the Roosevelt Administration and was one of two in the administration to serve the longest. She was the driving force behind both the Fair Labor Savings Act and Social Security.

David Clark (1903-1989) developed pressure compression suits for World War II high performance fighter pilots, to prevent blackouts caused by excessive G forces. Next were aerospace suits for astronauts.

Once known as the Worcester Lunatic Asylum, the Insane Hospital opened in 1833. The facility was the first of its kind in the state; Horace Mann, the education reformer, spearheaded a state legislative committee that led to funding for the 120-bed hospital.

Take your place in Worcester's history

We invite and encourage you to tell a story, share a photograph or memory…anything that pertains to Worcester. Places in the city that hold special meaning for you, events that shaped your experience, people you will never forget—your stories are welcome.