Near this spot stood the residence and garrison of John Fitch, for whom Fitchburg was named. On July 5, 1748, Indians attacked him there, and after a hot fight in which the two soldiers with him were killed, he was captured with his whole family and his dwelling was burned. All were taken to Canada, where they were held about one year and then ransomed. This land, then a portion of Lunenburg and afterward part of Fitchburg, was later set off to Ashby.