Middlesex County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,632,002,[1] making it the most populous county in both Massachusetts and New England and the 22nd most populous county in the United States. Middlesex County is one of two U.S. counties (along with Santa Clara County, California) to be amongst the top 25 counties with the highest household income and the 25 most populated counties. It is included in the Census Bureau’s Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The county was created by the Massachusetts General Court on May 10, 1643, when it was ordered that “the whole plantation within this jurisdiction be divided into four shires.” Middlesex initially contained Charlestown, Cambridge, Watertown, Sudbury, Concord, Woburn, Medford, and Reading.[5] In 1649 the first Middlesex County Registry of Deeds was created in Cambridge.
On April 19, 1775, Middlesex was site of the first armed conflict of the American Revolutionary War.
In 1855, the Massachusetts State Legislature created a minor Registry of Deeds for the Northern District of Middlesex County in Lowell.[5]
The Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts has a long and significant history, reflecting the growth and development of the region. Established in the early days of the Commonwealth, the Registry serves as the official repository for property records, ensuring the accurate and secure recording of land transactions.
Early History
- Foundation: The Registry of Deeds was established to maintain a public record of land ownership and transactions. This was crucial for ensuring legal clarity and security in property ownership.
- 18th Century: The Middlesex County was divided into two districts in 1731: Middlesex North and Middlesex South, each with its own registry. This division was intended to better serve the growing population and increasing number of land transactions.