The earliest European settlers of what eventually became the Town of
Norwood arrived from Dedham in the late 17th century. The attraction was
the swift moving Neponset River in present day South Norwood near the East
Walpole line. The Neponset River was to become the driving force for the
Town’s development throughout the next two centuries. Known officially as
the second parish of Dedham, most inhabitants referred to their village by
its Indian name, Tiot. The population grew through the 18th century, and
names such as Tiot, Morse Village, and Ellis distinguished the various
population centers within South Dedham.
On February 13, 1872 Norwood became a town of Norfolk County when the Act
of Incorporation was approved by the General Court. At that time, 1,825
people, almost exclusively Anglo/Saxon Protestant, lived within its area of
10.48 square miles.
Spurred by its status as a separate town, Norwood was launched into a
growth pattern. Between the years 1872 and 1922, industry replaced
agriculture as the economic base of the community. Many of Norwood’s
industries were world-famous for their products. Several of these old
industries have since dissolved or moved out but others have survived and
prospered.
Attracted by the rise of new industry, various foreign-born people moved
into the Town and the population increased to over 12,600. The influx and
assimilation of immigrants has placed Norwood among the most culturally
diverse towns of its size and type in New England. Economic and physical
expansion culminated in the “Town Manager” for of government in 1914 as a
more effective way to administer the growing town.
Industrial development continued in Norwood through the mid-20th century.
After World War II a gradual shift to high tech occurred in Norwood. Major
corporations have found Norwood’s proximity to Boston and access to major
east coast population centers to be attractive for business. The Town is
now considered one of the more important manufacturing,
suburban-residential, and wholesale and retail trade centers south of
Boston.
Norwood arrived from Dedham in the late 17th century. The attraction was
the swift moving Neponset River in present day South Norwood near the East
Walpole line. The Neponset River was to become the driving force for the
Town’s development throughout the next two centuries. Known officially as
the second parish of Dedham, most inhabitants referred to their village by
its Indian name, Tiot. The population grew through the 18th century, and
names such as Tiot, Morse Village, and Ellis distinguished the various
population centers within South Dedham.
On February 13, 1872 Norwood became a town of Norfolk County when the Act
of Incorporation was approved by the General Court. At that time, 1,825
people, almost exclusively Anglo/Saxon Protestant, lived within its area of
10.48 square miles.
Spurred by its status as a separate town, Norwood was launched into a
growth pattern. Between the years 1872 and 1922, industry replaced
agriculture as the economic base of the community. Many of Norwood’s
industries were world-famous for their products. Several of these old
industries have since dissolved or moved out but others have survived and
prospered.
Attracted by the rise of new industry, various foreign-born people moved
into the Town and the population increased to over 12,600. The influx and
assimilation of immigrants has placed Norwood among the most culturally
diverse towns of its size and type in New England. Economic and physical
expansion culminated in the “Town Manager” for of government in 1914 as a
more effective way to administer the growing town.
Industrial development continued in Norwood through the mid-20th century.
After World War II a gradual shift to high tech occurred in Norwood. Major
corporations have found Norwood’s proximity to Boston and access to major
east coast population centers to be attractive for business. The Town is
now considered one of the more important manufacturing,
suburban-residential, and wholesale and retail trade centers south of
Boston.
