Native Americans lived along the Merrimack River for thousands of years prior to European colonization of the Americas.

[2] The original name for the land that would become Newbury may have been Quascancunquen meaning "waterfall," referring to the falls in Byfield where Central Street crosses the Parker River, and was likely part of the territory of Agawam sachem Masconomet at the time of contact.

[2] No formal agreements between the original inhabitants of Newbury and English colonists would be made until more than a generation had passed from settlement and the effects of virgin soil epidemics had significantly decreased native populations in the area.

James Noyes, along with the latter's brother Nicholas, led a group of about 100 pioneers from Wiltshire, England.

They sailed from the River Thames aboard the ship Mary and John, first landing in Agawam (now Ipswich) in 1634.

A commemorative stone marks the spot where Nicholas Noyes was the first of the new settlers to leap ashore at Newbury, named after the town in Berkshire, England.

[2] In 1681, the descendants of an indigenous man Old Will would sell one hundred and sixty acres to the town of Newbury for six pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence.

[2] Finally, in 1700, the grandson of sachem Masconomet of the Agawam would relinquish his title to any lands in Newbury for a sum of ten pounds.

[2] In 1791, 3,000 head of cattle grazed town lands, or on the region's abundant salt marsh hay.

The railroad entered the community in 1850, carrying freight but also tourists, helping Plum Island develop into a Victorian seaside resort.

Along with 10 other towns and cities in Essex County, Newbury is part of the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School district.