Peabody, city, Essex county, northeastern Massachusetts, U.S. It lies 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Boston. Originally part of Salem, it became part of Danvers in 1752 and was separately incorporated as the town of South Danvers in 1855. In 1868 it was renamed to honour the philanthropist George Peabody (1795–1869), who was born there. Glassmaking, which was long an economic mainstay, began there as early as 1638. Tanneries were established before the American Revolution, but the leather industry declined in the latter part of the 20th century. The city now has a diversified economy, producing medical imaging equipment, scanners, and other electronic devices. Brooksby Farm is a recreational area owned by the municipality. Inc. city, 1916. Pop. (2000) 48,129; Peabody Metro Division, 723,419; (2010) 51,251; Peabody Metro Division, 743,159.