Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Fitchburg is the third largest city in Worcester County, Massachusetts, with a population of approximately 41,000. Fitchburg occupies a 28.1 square mile area of steep hills which are drained by the north branch of the Nashua River. The city has a diverse ethnic make-up, thanks to successive waves of immigration, including the largest Finnish-American community in the United States. Though suffering from decades of decline, Fitchburg still retains many handsome examples of 19th century architecture, several attractive parks, an art museum and a state university.

Fitchburg first incorporated as a town in 1764, and later as a city in 1872. It is named for John Fitch, a settler who along with his children was taken to Canada by Native Americans in 1748. Fitch and his family returned to the area the following year. In choosing to locate the town center along the Nashua River rather than on Dean Hill, the town's founders set the stage for industry, rather than agriculture, to shape Fitchburg's development. During the 19th century, the river powered mills which turned out machinery, tools, textiles, and firearms. Alvah Crocker established Crocker Burbank & Company, and became one of Fitchburg's most influential citizens. Burbank Hospital was the legacy of his partner, Gardner S. Burbank. The sprawling Crocker Burbank mill complex at one time occupied most of West Fitchburg and Waite's Corner. Crocker also financed the building of Crocker Field, and lobbied for the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel, linking Fitchburg by rail to Boston and Albany. By the 1870s, Fitchburg was a major manufacturing center, and businesses such as Simonds Saw & Steel Company and the Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works flourished. After World War II, Fitchburg began a long period of decline. Many industries moved their manufacturing operations away from New England. The closing of the James River Paper Company and General Electric turbine plant in the 1980's meant the loss of hundreds of local jobs. The development of shopping malls and suburban housing drew business and shoppers away from downtown, and once busy mills sat abandoned. Recent immigrants have begun to rebuild area business, opening restaurants and retail shops.

Fitchburg's diverse industrial history and legacy of historic buildings make exposure to asbestos an ongoing concern. Workers in construction and other trades may have been put at risk for asbestos disease. Mesothelioma clinics in and around Fitchburg are listed at the bottom of the page.

Jobsites in Fitchburg where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Fitchburg, MA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Fitchburg, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Fitchburg, MA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Fitchburg, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Fitchburg, MA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.