Historic 1805 Angelica

History

Angelica was first settled in 1802 and founded  in 1805 by Captain Philip Church. This nephew of Alexander Hamilton named the town after his mother, Angelica Schuyler Church. Captain Church selected the site of the village and directed surveyor Everett van Wickle to lay it out. A central circle was made into a park, and all the important community structures were built on its circumference. Picturesque Park Circle continues to figure prominently into village life today. A beautiful public green at the center of the Village was a gift from Captain and Mrs. Church. Concerts, festivals, a farmers' market, and other entertainments take place there year-round. Angelica possesses the classic attributes of a premiere cultural tourism destination. There are dozens of historic buildings, many of which are included in a 900 acre National Historic District. It has a rich history as a mill town and later as a hub on the Pittsburg, Shawmut, & Northern Railroad. Residents take great pride in their community with its wide, tree-lined Main Street, its elegant and historic homes, and beautiful, rural vistas. Much of what drives the village economy is related to Angelica's National Historic District and the charming downtown businesses operating within it. Along West Main Street there are numerous shops offering antiques, collectibles, pottery, gifts, and furnishings; several places to enjoy a delicious meal or dessert; and bed and breakfast establishments. The village was named a "Walk the Villages" Community in 2008 by Senator Cathy Young's office. Angelica's history, architecture, and culture have made it a place people want to visit for a day, a weekend, or a lifetime.