Ipswich, Massachusetts

Ipswich, Massachusetts
Town of Ipswich
John Whipple House, constructed c.1677
Nickname: 
Birthplace of American Independence
Location in Essex County and the state of Massachusetts.
Coordinates: 42°40′45″N 70°50′30″W / 42.67917°N 70.84167°W / 42.67917; -70.84167
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyEssex
Settled1633
IncorporatedAugust 5, 1634
Founded byJohn Winthrop the Younger
Named afterIpswich, England
Government
  TypeOpen town meeting
Area
  Total
42.5 sq mi (110.1 km2)
  Land32.1 sq mi (83.2 km2)
  Water10.4 sq mi (26.9 km2)
Elevation
50 ft (15 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
13,785
  Density320/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
01938
Area code351/356/978
FIPS code25-32310
GNIS feature ID0619448
Websiteipswichma.gov

Ipswich is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 13,785 at the 2020 census. Home to Willowdale State Forest and Sandy Point State Reservation, Ipswich includes the southern part of Plum Island. A residential community with a vibrant tourism industry, the town is famous for its clams, celebrated annually at the Ipswich Chowderfest, and for Crane Beach, a barrier beach near the Crane estate. Ipswich was incorporated as a town in 1634.