History of Southborough, Massachusetts, USA

1660 - Southborough is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1727 - Southborough is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

1839 - Southborough
Southborough, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town was taken from Marlborough in 1727. It has a good soil, and is well cultivated by industrious and skillful farmers. It is watered by a branch of Sudbury river, and has manufactures of woolen cloth, boots, shoes, and straw bonnets: annual value, about $50,000. The Boston and Worcester rail road passes through this pleasant town. It lies 26 miles W. from Boston and 15 E. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,113.
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 - SOUTHBOROUGH. [Pop. 1,145. Inc. 1727.]
This town was called Southborough because, before it was incorporated, it was the south part of Marlborough.

Several little streams run into Sudbury river ; and the soil repays the cultivator.

Some shoes and straw bonnets are the chief manufactures.

Distance from Worcester, 15 miles ; from Boston, 30.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Southborough
This town was taken from the ancient town of Marlborough. and derived its name from the circumstance of its lying about south from that town. It was incorporated by the general court in 1727. The first church was embodied here in 1730, and the Rev. Nathan Stone ordained the first pastor. He remained with the people till his death, in 1781, after which the church was destitute of a settled minister till 1791, when Rev. Samuel Sumner was ordained. The next pastor, Rev. Jeroboam Parker, was ordained in 1799, and was succeeded by Rev. John D. Sweet. Rev. Walter Follet was ordained pastor of the second church in 1832. This church was organized in 1831. There is a Baptist church in the town. Population, 1,113. Distance, 15 miles from Worcester, and 30 from Boston. The surface of this town is moderately uneven, and the soil productive. It is watered by a number of small streams and brooks. In 1837, there was a small woollen mill in the town; there were manufactured 170 pairs of boots and... Read MORE...

1854 - Southborough
Southborough, a post-village of Worcester co., Massachusetts, 25 miles W. from Boston, on the Boston and Worcester railroad. Population of the township, 1347.
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.

Southborough, Massachusetts, 1890
Southborough is a pleasant and thriving town forming the eastern extremity of Worcester County, 28 miles west of Boston. Its boundaries are Marlborough on the north, Framingham and Ashland on the east, Hopkinton on the south, and Westborough on the west ; all except the last town being in Middlesex County. The assessed area is 9,407 acres. There are some 2,000 acres of forest.

The surface of the town is beautifully varied with hill and valley, and is somewhat rocky, the principal stone being calcareous gneiss. Wolf-pen Hill in the north, Walnut Hill in the northwest, Pine Hill in the northeast and Oak Hill in the southeast, are beautiful elevations. Between the last two is a pleasant range of rounded eminences, whose smoothly sloping sides afford excellent pasturage. Stony Brook winds through the central part of the town, affording some motive power. An affluent, Angle Brook, flows from a large swamp in the northeast angle of the town. Sudbury River forming the south line, and near ... Read MORE...

1906
Southboro, a post-village in Southboro township (town), Worcester co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 29 miles W. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1921.
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 Southborough:
Beals Preserve:

If you love nature and hiking, Beals Preserve is a great spot. It's a beautiful area with walking trails, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Breakneck Hill Farm:

A picturesque farm with rolling hills and walking trails. It's a peaceful place to take a stroll and maybe have a picnic.

Hopkinton State Park:

Although technically not in Southborough, it's nearby and worth mentioning. This state park offers hiking, swimming, fishing, and even kayaking. It's a great spot for a day trip.

Pilgrim Church:

This historic church is a landmark in Southborough. Even if you're not particularly religious, the architecture and the history behind it make it worth a visit.

Chestnut Hill Farm:

Another lovely farm with walking trails. Chestnut Hill Farm is great for families, and they often have events and activities for kids.

St. Mark's School:

This private school has a beautiful campus. Take a stroll around and admire the architecture and... Read MORE...