History of Randolph, Massachusetts, USA

1710 - Randolph is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1793 - Randolph is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Randolph
Randolph, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. Randolph constituted a part of ancient Braintree until 1793, when it was incorporated. It lies 14 miles S. from Boston, 12 S.E. from Dedham, and 7 S.S.W. from Braintree landing. Population, 1820, 1,546; 1830, 2,200; 1837, 3,041. Manatiquot river rises in the town, which, with other small streams, afford it a water power. Punkapog pond lies in this town and Canton. The land is elevated between the waters of Massachusetts bay and Taunton river; the surface is generally undulating and the soil strong and productive. There are two very pleasant and flourishing villages in the town, East and West, surrounded by fertile and well cultivated fields. Randolph has long been noted for the industry of its people in the manufacture of boots and shoes. During the year ending April 1st, 1837, there were made in the town 200,175 pairs of boots, and 470,620 pairs of shoes, valued at $944,715, employing 1,475 hands. There are manufactures of leather, &c. in the... Read MORE...

1845 - RANDOLPH. [Pop. 3,213. Inc. 1793.]
Randolph, originally a part of Braintree, was probably named after Peyton Randolph, the President of the first American Congress, in 1774.

This town is distinguished for its extensive manufacture of boots and shoes.

Punkepog Pond, between Randolph and Canton, is a pleasant resort of fishing parties and sportsmen.

Distance from Dedham, 12 miles ; from Boston 14.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Randolph
Randolph, a post-township in Norfolk co., Mass., on the Fall River railroad, 13 miles S. from Boston, contains a bank. Pop., 4741.
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.

1870 - Some of the women school teachers of Randolph, Mass., are selling books to their scholars for twenty per cent more than the regular price,
alleging that their salary is too small to support them without this traffic.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 8, 1870

1870 - A young man named George Heffran, of Pottsville, Pa., surrendered himself at Randolph, Mass., on the 15th, as the murderer of Benjamin Nathan. He proved to be insane.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 26, 1870

Randolph Massachusetts, 1890
Randolph is a vigorous and flourishing town in the eastern section of Norfolk County; the post-office and chief village (Randolph) being fifteen miles from Boston on the Old Colony Railroad. The other villages are New Dublin, Tower Hill and West Corners. The town is bounded on the north by Milton, Quincy and Braintree, on the east by the latter, on the southeast by Holbrook, and on the southwest by Canton. The assessed area is 5,722 acres. There are about 1,950 acres of forest, consisting chiefly of oak, maple and pine. The geological structure is sienite. The surface of the town is elevated, uneven and stony. The soil is a gravelly loam. Tower Hill is a beautiful elevation, affording to its residents an extensive prospect. Ponkapoag Pond lies partly within the town at the northwest, and Great Pond at the northeastern angle. Blue Hill River forms the northern line; while Cochato River, forming a part of the eastern line, with its rivulets drains the southeastern territory. The central ... Read MORE...

1894 - FACTORY DESTROYED. Large Boot and Shoe Concern in Randolph Goes Up in Smoke.
RANDOLPH, Mass., Jan. 14. - The boot and shoe factory of William Gibbons on Cottage street, with contents, was totally destroyed by fire at 8 o'clock Saturday morning. The factory was supplied with the latest improved machinery. A quantity of leather had been put in the past week and an increase of business was to have commenced on Monday next.

The cause of the fire is said to be from a defective chimney. The flames were first seen coming from the roof of the building which was of wood, about 80x80, 2 1-2 stories. The high wind caused the flames to spread with great rapidity. Nothing was saved. The loss is estimated at $10,000, partially insured.
The Lewiston Daily Sun
Lewiston, Maine
January 15, 1894

1895 - Randolph
Randolph, a post-village in Randolph township, Norfolk co., Mass., on the Old Colony Railroad, 15 miles S. of Boston. It contains 3 churches, a national bank, a fine town house, a high school, a newspaper office, a savings bank, and several large manufactories of boots and shoes. The township is intersected by 2 branches of the Old Colony Railroad, and has a pop, of 4064.
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

1906
Randolph, a banking post-village in Randolph township (town), Norfolk co., Mass. on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 15 miles S. of Boston. It has large manufactories of boots and shoes, harness, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3993.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Randolph:
Turner Free Library: Start your exploration of Randolph with a visit to the local library. It's a great place to learn more about the community and its history.

Randolph Historical Society: For history buffs, the Randolph Historical Society offers a glimpse into the town's past through exhibits and events.

Petersen Splash Park: If you're visiting with kids, the Petersen Splash Park is a fantastic place to cool off on a hot day. It's a fun water playground for children.

Randolph Dog Park: Bring your furry friend to the Randolph Dog Park for some off-leash playtime. It's a great spot for socializing and exercise.

Blue Hills Reservation: Just a short drive away, Blue Hills Reservation offers hiking, biking, and beautiful scenic views. The Skyline Trail is a popular choice for hikers.

South Shore Plaza: Shopaholics will enjoy a visit to South Shore Plaza, a large shopping mall with a wide range of stores and dining options.

Massasoit Community College: Explore the campus ... Read MORE...