History of Stoughton, Massachusetts, USA

1713 - Stoughton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1726 - Stoughton is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Stoughton
Stoughton, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. Some of the head waters of Neponset river rise in this town. When the Indians sold their lands in Dorchester, a residence was established for them at this place, and called Punkapog. There were 12 families of Christian Indians here in 1674. Mr. Elliot, the apostle of the Indians, had the chief agency in their removal.

There are two cotton and a woolen mill in the town, and manufactures of boots, shoes, shoe tools, and boot forms: total value of manufactures, the year ending April 1, 1837, exclusive of cotton goods, $525,940; of which $487,390 was for boots and shoes. Hands employed in the various manufactures, 928.

Stoughton was incorporated in 1736. It lies 20 miles S. from Boston and 10 S. from Dedham. Population, 1830, 1,591; 1837, 1,993.
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 - STOUGHTON. [Pop. 2,142. Inc. 1726.]
Stoughton was named after Lieutenant-Governor Stoughton, of Dorchester, of which town it was originally a part.

It was once called Punhapoag, and contained a village of Praying Indians, as the converts used to be called.

Its chief manufacture is boots and shoes.

Distance from Dedham, 10 miles ; from Boston, 20
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Stoughton
Stouqhton, a post-village in Norfolk co., Massachusetts, at the terminus of the Stoughton branch of the Boston and Providence railroad, 19 miles S. by W. from Boston, contains 4 churches and numerous shoe factories. Population of the township, 3494.
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.

1890 Stoughton Massachusetts
Stoughton lies in the southwesterly part of Norfolk County, 18 miles south of Boston. The Stoughton and Easton Branch from the Providence Railroad runs through the centre and connects with the Taunton and New Bedford line in the southern part of the town, all being of the Old Colony Railroad system. The post-offices are Stoughton and North Stoughton. The other villages are Belcher's Corner, Dry Pond and West Stoughton.

Canton hounds the town on the north, Randolph and Avon on the east, Easton on the south, and Sharon on the west. The assessed area is 9,028 acres; in which are included 2,765 acres of woodland. Cedar is found in the swamps and deciduous trees in the uplands. The surface is pleasantly diversified with hill and valley; the highest point of land being "The Pinnacle," from which may be seen the islands in Boston Harbor, a wide extent of sea coast and many pleasant landscapes. The rock is sienite, in which beds of iron-ore occur in several localities. In the northwest is... Read MORE...

1895 - Stoughton
Stoughton, sto'ton, a post-village in Stoughton township, Norfolk co., Mass., on the Old Colony Railroad, at the S. terminus of the Stoughton Branch of the Boston & Providence Railroad, 18 miles S. of Boston. It has 4 churches, a newspaper office, a high school, and manufactures of boots, shoes, Cardigan jackets, woollen yarn &c. The township contains a village named East Stoughton. Pop. of township in 1880, 4875; in 1890, 4852.
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
Stoughton, a banking post-township (town) of Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 18 miles S. of Boston. It has manufactures of boots, shoes, caridgan jackets, and rubber. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5442.
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 mix of places to go and things to do in and around Stoughton:
Bird Park:
What to do: Spend a relaxing day at Bird Park. It's a beautiful spot for picnics, walks, or just enjoying nature. The well-maintained trails make it a favorite among locals.

IKEA Stoughton:
What to do: Explore the wonder that is IKEA. Even if you're not planning to buy furniture, it's like a giant home decor playground. Plus, their Swedish meatballs are a must-try.

Stoughton Historical Society:
What to do: Dive into the local history at the Stoughton Historical Society. It's a great place to learn about the roots of the community.

Ames Nowell State Park:
What to do: If you're into outdoor activities, Ames Nowell State Park is the place to be. Fishing, hiking, and kayaking are just a few of the options.

D.W. Field Park:
What to do: Take a short drive to nearby Brockton and explore D.W. Field Park. It's a vast area with ponds, walking trails, and a zoo. A perfect spot for a family day out.

Capitol Theatre:
What to do: Catch a movie at the Capitol Theatre. ... Read MORE...