Ayer

Town in Middlesex County, east-central Massachusetts; population (1998 est) 7,500. It is situated 14 km/9 mi east-northeast of Leominster and 47 km/29 mi west-northwest of Boston. Settled in the 1670s, it is a long-time agricultural and light manufacturing centre. During much of the 20th century its economy depended significantly on Fort Devens, to the southwest; this was an Army training facility established in 1917, that was of great importance during in World War II, before being converted into an Intelligence centre. The closing of the base in 1994 led to efforts to attract diversified industry into the area, but because of the excellent rail links to the town, it is now partly a commuter town for Boston.

The town was incorporated in 1871, and called Ayer after a local man, Dr J C Ayer. Early names were the American Indian Nonaicoicus, and South Groton and then Groton, which were names attributed by early European settlers. Most of the town burned down in 1872, and the town house of 1876 is one of the buildings which was erected in replacement.