Chartered in 1656, the Town of Bridgewater historically flourished as an
industrial and agricultural center within Southeastern Massachusetts. The
raising of livestock and crop cultivation on farms comprising several
hundred acres were common in the outlying areas of the community. As early
as the 18th century, foundries were operating along the northern periphery
of the downtown where iron forgings for the Revolutionary and Civil Wars
were produced. A century later, shoe, nail and brick manufacturing emerged
in the area, employing hundreds of former agricultural workers from nearby
farms or immigrants from distant lands.
The historic character of the community is largely preserved in the
Federal, Italianate and Greek revival commercial and civic structures
surrounding the central common. Landscaping on the common and elsewhere in
the downtown is meticulously maintained by the Bridgewater Improvement
Association, a non-profit organization devoted to the beautification of the
community. The downtown remains a vital center of community life where
such activities as autumn and Christmas holiday festivals are conducted
each year.
Bridgewater today is a growing community of over 20,000. Its central
location at the interchange of Route 24 and Interstate 495 provides
convenient access to Boston, Providence and Cape Cod. The town also
carries the distinction of hosting the oldest and largest state college and
correctional institution in Massachusetts.
This rich history and diversity of activities has made Bridgewater an
attractive place to residents and businesses alike.
industrial and agricultural center within Southeastern Massachusetts. The
raising of livestock and crop cultivation on farms comprising several
hundred acres were common in the outlying areas of the community. As early
as the 18th century, foundries were operating along the northern periphery
of the downtown where iron forgings for the Revolutionary and Civil Wars
were produced. A century later, shoe, nail and brick manufacturing emerged
in the area, employing hundreds of former agricultural workers from nearby
farms or immigrants from distant lands.
The historic character of the community is largely preserved in the
Federal, Italianate and Greek revival commercial and civic structures
surrounding the central common. Landscaping on the common and elsewhere in
the downtown is meticulously maintained by the Bridgewater Improvement
Association, a non-profit organization devoted to the beautification of the
community. The downtown remains a vital center of community life where
such activities as autumn and Christmas holiday festivals are conducted
each year.
Bridgewater today is a growing community of over 20,000. Its central
location at the interchange of Route 24 and Interstate 495 provides
convenient access to Boston, Providence and Cape Cod. The town also
carries the distinction of hosting the oldest and largest state college and
correctional institution in Massachusetts.
This rich history and diversity of activities has made Bridgewater an
attractive place to residents and businesses alike.
