History of Wrentham, Massachusetts, USA

1669 - Wrentham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1673 - On October 17th, the name of Wollomonopoag Plantations was changed to Wrentham, in remembrance of the home town in England.

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1676 - Wrentham was evacuated during King Philip's War

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1693 - Town of Wrentham gave permission to the Morses to build a saw mill on at Morse's Pond and Stop River (Highland Lake).

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1702 - It was resolved that a school house 20 foot long and 16 foot broad would be built and finished by the next Mickelmus. This first school house was built in the area of the Wrentham Common.

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1839 - Wrentham
Wrentham, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. There is a large pond near the centre of this town, from which issue several streams which flow to the Charles, Neponset, and Taunton. In this town are one woolen and four cotton mills, an axe manufactory; boat building to a considerable extent; and manufactures of boots, shoes, hats, hoops and straw bonnets. The total value of the manufactures of this town, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was $204,806; of which $77,815 was for straw bonnets.

Wrentham is a pleasant town, with a tolerable soil and diversified surface. It was taken from Dedham in 1673. Population, 1837, 2,817.

A family of Indians once resided in a cavern in this town, called "Wampum's Rock," which place is rather a curiosity. The Indian name of the town was Wallomapogge.

Wrentham is 27 miles S. by W. from Boston and 15 S. by W. from Dedham. This town is bounded S.W. by Mansfield, and within the region of a vast bed of anthracite coal.
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. WRENTHAM. [Pop. 2,915. Inc. 1673.]
Before its incorporation, Wrentham was part of Dedham. It was named from Wrentham, in England, whence some of the first settlers came.

During Philip's War the settlement was burned by the Indians, and deserted by the inhabitants.

The chief manufactures are cotton, bonnets, shoes, and boots.

Distance from Dedham, 15 miles ; from Boston, 27.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Wrentham / Eagle Factory / Sheppardsville
Wrentham, a post-township in Norfolk co., Massachusetts, intersected by the Norfolk County railroad, 23 miles S. W. by S. from Boston. It is drained by branches of Charles and Neponset river, which afford excellent water-power. The manufactories consist chiefly of straw bonnets, and cotton goods. The principal villages are Eagle Factory village, Sheppardsville, one near the centre of the township, and another in the N. part. Population, in 1840, 2915; in 1850, 3037.
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.

On August 11, 1867 "The Great Fire in Wrentham Center" took place.

wrentham.ma.us

Wrentham Massachusetts, 1890
Wrentham is a good old farming town lying in the southwest comer of Norfolk County, about 27 miles southwest of Boston. It has six pleasant villages,—Wrentham (centre), South Wrentham, West Wrentham, Plainville, Sheldonville (which are post-offices), and Shepardville. The Old Colony Railroad stations in the adjoining towns, north, south, east and west, are some four or five miles from the central village.

The town is bounded on the north by Franklin and Norfolk, east by Foxborough, south by North Attleborough, and on the west by Franklin, Bellingham and Cumberland, in Rhode Island. Its assessed area is 19,052 acres; of which 8,170 are woodland. The northeasterly section of the town is undulating. The scenery of the central part is diversified by Knickup Hill and Bald Hill, and two beautiful sheets of deep and clear water known as "Archer's Pond" and "Whiting's Pond;" while Red-brush Hill, rising to the altitude of 456 feet, and Joe's Rock, to 486 feet above the sea, are prominent... Read MORE...

1895 - Wrentham
Wrentham, ren'tham, a post-village in Wrentham township, Norfolk co., Mass., about 27 miles S.S.W. of Boston, and 18 miles N. by E. of Providence. It has a national bank, 3 churches, a high school, and a newspaper office, Pop. of the township, 2566.
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
Wrentham, ren'tham, a banking post-village in Wrentham township (town), Norfolk co., Mass., about 27 miles SSW. of Boston, on the New York, New Haven and Hart ford R. It has manufactures of straw goods and shoddy. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2720 ; of the village, about 1300.
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

Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or a shopper looking for great deals, there's something for everyone in Wrentham. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Wrentham:
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets: If you love shopping, this is the place to be. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is a shopper's paradise with over 170 stores offering designer and brand-name clothing, accessories, and home goods at discounted prices.

F. Gilbert Hills State Forest: This state forest is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are several well-maintained trails, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while exploring.

Lake Pearl Wrentham: Spend a day at Lake Pearl enjoying activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply lounging on the beach. It's a great spot for picnics and family gatherings too.

Wrentham Common: This historic town center is home to the iconic white church and a picturesque common area. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and offers a glimpse into the town's rich history.

Patriot Place: Located in nearby Foxborough, Patriot Place is an entertainment and shopping complex... Read MORE...