History of Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA

1704 - Foxborough is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1778 - Foxborough is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Foxborough
Foxborough, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. This town was taken from Dorchester in 1778. It is watered by Rumford and Cocasset rivers, branches of the Taunton, on which are mills of various kinds. The manufactures of Foxborough the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $231,136:—they consisted of cotton and woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, iron castings, straw bonnets, shovels, spades, hoes, and forks. Foxborough lies 24 miles S.S.W. from Boston, 15 S. from Dedham, and 18 E.N.E. from Providence, R.I. Population, 1830, 1,099; 1837, 1,416.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - FOXBOROUGH. [Pop. 1,298. Inc. 1778.]
Foxborough was originally a part of Stoughton, and, with that, a part of Dorchester.

Its chief manufactures consist of straw bonnets, cotton and woollen goods, and iron.

Distance from Dedham, 15 miles; from Boston, 24.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Foxborough
This town was originally a part of Stoughton; it was incorporated in 1778. The Rev. Thomas Kendall, the first minister, was ordained here in 1786. The church was embodied in 1779. Mr. Kendall continued its pastor till. 1800. The Rev. Daniel Loring, his successor, was settled here in 1804, and resigned in 1806. Rev. Thomas Skelton, the third minister, continued here about four years; his successor, Rev. Thomas Williams, was installed in 1816. Rev. Willard Pierce, the next minister, was ordained in 1824.

In the center of the town there are two churches, 1 Congregational and 1 Baptist, and a village of about 25 well-built dwelling houses. Distance, 1.5 miles from Deciham, 15 to Taunton, 5 to Wrentham, 37 to Worcester, 20 to Providence. and 24 to Boston. Population, 1,416. The manufacture of straw bonnets is a very important branch of business in this place. In 1S37, there were 133,654 straw bonnets manufactured, valued at $121,571. There were 2 cotton mills; 17 hands were employed.,... Read MORE...

1854 - Foxborough
Foxborough, a post-township of Norfolk co., Mass., on the Boston and Providence rail road, 21 miles S.S W. from Boston. Pop. 1880.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

Foxborough Massachusetts, 1890
Foxborough is a busy and prosperous town in the southwestern part of Norfolk County, about 20 miles southwest of Boston. The Providence Branch and the Northern Division of the Old Colony Railroad pass through it, having stations at Foxborough (centre), Foxvale, and East and North Foxborough. The other villages are West and South Foxborough, Foxvale, Foxborough Furnace, and Donkeyville. Walpole bounds it on the north and northwest, Sharon on the northeast, Mansfield on the southeast and south, and Wrentham and Norfolk on the west. The assessed area is 12,085 acres; and of this 3,387 acres are forest, consisting of oak, pine, chestnut and maple. It occupies the crest of the ridge between Narragansett and Dorchester bays. In the west, northwest and southeast it is quite hilly; but the most conspicuous elevation is Foolish Hill, a little southeast of the centre. Neponset River and Cocasset Brook have their sources in the central and western part, the former flowing northward to Boston... Read MORE...

1895 - Foxborough
Fox'borough, a post-village in Foxborough township, Norfolk co., Mass., on the Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroad, 14 miles N.N.W. of Taunton, and 22 miles S.S.W. of Boston. It has 5 churches, a high school, a savings bank, a newspaper office, a public library, a granite quarry, iron-works, and manufactures of straw goods, soap, hats, and shoes. Pop. of the township, 2933.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1900 - STRAW WORKS DESTROYED BY FIRE.
Foxboro, Mass., May 29. - The complete destruction of the Union straw works by fire caused a loss to the company of nearly $150,000, and proves a severe blow to the community, as the straw plalting was the only industry of this town. The fire started, probably, from what is known as the slug furnace in the center of the plant. The straw plant was probably the oldest of its kind in the country, having been started in 1856, and at the close of the war was doing a business estimated at $2,000,000 a year. Three hundred hands are thrown out of employment by the fire.
North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
May 29, 1900

1900 - ONE MAN KILLED. SEVERAL SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FOXBORO FIRE.
By Associated Press to The Sun.
Taunton, Mass., June 4. - A special from Foxboro, says:
This town is today dazed and panic-stricken. The town hall was burned probably by an incendiary this morning and though it was early in the morning, yet it has resulted in the death of one citizen, the fatal injury of another and the serious injury of two others. The loss is $40,000 and the scholars in the high, grammar and three intermediate grades are now without a place to attend school.

This disaster coming so suddenly on the heels of the destruction of the big straw shop last week has benumbed and paralyzed the community and the people are standing on the street corners wondering at the outcome with the town's chief industry destroyed and no schools for the children to attend.

At a little before five o'clock this morning fire was discovered in the attic of the town hall, and though the department at once went to work, yet their efforts were in vain. Mansfield again sent her department... Read MORE...

1916
Foxboro, a post-village in Foxboro township (town), Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 22 miles SSW. of Boston. It has iron-works and manufactures of straw goods, soap, hats, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3266.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

2023 - Whether you're a sports fan, nature enthusiast, or history buff, Foxborough and its surrounding areas have a variety of activities to offer.
Gillette Stadium:

Home to the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, catch a game or take a stadium tour.

Patriot Place:

Adjacent to Gillette Stadium, this outdoor shopping and entertainment complex offers restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Hall at Patriot Place.

The Hall at Patriot Place:

A modern museum celebrating the history of the New England Patriots, featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

Nature Trails at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest:

Explore the scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching in this nearby state forest.

Nature's Classroom:

A great spot for outdoor education and team-building activities, offering programs for schools and groups.

Nature Reserve at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary:

A peaceful sanctuary for nature lovers, featuring trails, wildlife observation, and educational programs.

Lake Pearl:

A picturesque lake offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and... Read MORE...