History of Canton, Massachusetts, USA

1630 - Canton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Canton was officially incorporated on February 23, 1797 from the town of Stoughton, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Canton
Canton, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. Neponset river and several large ponds give this town a great water power. It lies 15 miles S.W. from Boston and 5 S. by E. from Dedham. Incorporated, 1797. Population, 1830, 1,517; 1837, 2,185. The manufactures of Canton the year ending 1st of April, 1837, amounted to $695,180. They consisted of cotton and woolen goods, shoes, palm-leaf hats, copper, wicking, thread, candle-sticks, hoes, iron castings, trying squares, and "shapes." The bells manufactured at this place are of superior metal and sound. This place is easily approached from the capital by the Boston and Providence rail-road. The viaduct, or bridge, on that road at this place, cost the company about $80,000. It is of massive hewn granite, 600 feet in length; 63 feet above the foundation, on 6 arches, with a succession of arches at top. It is an admirable piece of workmanship.
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 - CANTON. [Pop. 1,995. Inc. 1797.]
Canton was formerly the south parish of Dorchester, and was
called Dorchester Village.

It is situated upon Neponset River, and is extensively engaged in the manufacture of woollen and cotton cloth, and copper.

The granite viaduct, or structure on which the Providence rail- road crosses a deep valley, is an object of curiosity.

Distance from Dedham, 5 miles ; from Boston, 15.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Canton
CANTON was originally the south precinct of Dorchester, called Dorchester village it was incorporated in 1797. The first church was embodied here in the year 1717, and Rev. Joseph Morse was ordained its minister the same year. He had preached in the village, previous to his ordination, nearly eleven years. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Dunhar, in 1727. Mr. Dunbar was a warm and decided friend to the liberties of his country. In 17557 he was chaplain to Col. Brown’s regiment, in the expedition against Crown Point. His zeal and firmness in the American Revolution contributed not a little to support the hopes and sustain the sinking spirits of his people, when clouds and darkness shrouded our prospects.” He died in 1783, and was succeeded by Rev. Zachariah Howard, who was settled in 1786. The Rev. William Harlow was installed, over the second church in 1829, resigned the same year.

The following is a westerly view of the viaduct in this town, on which passes the Boston and... Read MORE...

1854 - Canton
Canton, a post-village of Norfolk co., Mass., on the Boston and Providence railroad, 14 miles S. from Boston. It has 1 bank. Population of the township, 2598.
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.

1859
CANTON, a township of Norfolk co., in the state of Massachusetts, 16 m. SW of Boston. It is intersected by the Boston and Providence railroad, and gives rise to the Neponset river. It possesses little fertility of soil, but has considerable manufactures. Pop. 1,995.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1870 - In the case of Miss Barston, the school teacher stoned to death by four of her pupils, at Canton, Mass., the Coroner's jury have rendered a verdict of death from disease, accelerated by the assault made upon her.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 22, 1870

Canton Massachusetts, 1890
Canton is an active manufacturing and farming town, lying a little east of the centre of Norfolk County. The railroad station at South Canton (Canton Junction), on the Boston Providence Railroad, is 20 miles from Boston; and Ponkapoag Village, in the northeast part, is about 12 miles in a direct line. The latter and Canton are the post-offices; and the villages are the same, South Canton, Canton Corner, Dedham Road, Farms, Hardware, Springdale and Stone Factory.

On the northeast side lie the towns of Milton and Randolph, on the south and southwest are Stoughton and Sharon, and on the north-west is Dedham The general form of the territory is that of a common kite. Its assessed area is 11,488 acres, including the 2,039 acres of woodland. The rooks are gneissic and porphyritic; and the soil ranges through loam, sand and gravel The 63 farms, in 1885, yielded a product valued at $77,763.

The scenery of this town is varied and picturesque. There are elevations at the south and centre; ... Read MORE...

1895 - Canton
Canton, a post-village of Norfolk co., Mass, on the Neponset River, which affords water-power, and on the Providence division of the Old Colony Railroad, at the junction of the Stoughton Branch, 14 miles S. of Boston. It has 6 churches, a national and a co-operative bank, a high school, a savings-bank, and manufactures of sheet copper, cotton goods, machinery, bar iron, woollen jackets, axles, oil-cloth, prints, &c. Pop, of the township, in 1890, 4538.
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

1916
Canton, a banking post-village of Norfolk co., Mass., on tho Neponset River, which affords water-power, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 14 miles S. of Boston. It has manufactures of cotton and woollen goods, machinery, woollen jackets, thread, stove-polish, etc. Pop. of the township (town) in 1900, 4584.
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 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Canton:
Massachusetts Audubon's Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary:

Explore the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of Moose Hill, which offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities. It's a great spot for nature lovers.

Blue Hills Reservation:

Head to the nearby Blue Hills Reservation for hiking, biking, and stunning views of the Boston skyline. There are various trails catering to different difficulty levels.

Dunkin' Brands Headquarters:

If you're a fan of Dunkin' Donuts, check out the Dunkin' Brands Headquarters. While you might not be able to tour the facility, it's interesting to know that this iconic brand has roots in Canton.

Irish Cultural Centre of New England:

Experience Irish culture and heritage at the Irish Cultural Centre. They often host events, performances, and activities related to Irish traditions.

Pequitside Farm:

Visit Pequitside Farm, a town-owned property with walking trails, a playground, and a community garden. It's a charming place for a... Read MORE...