History of Foxborough

A 300-acre farm was plotted by Captain William Hudson in 1669, and in that year Hudson erected the first dwelling in what was to become Foxborough. The farm was in the vicinity of Wading River and encompassed land around what is now South and Cedar streets. It also skirted the edge of Lake Mirimichi and extended into Plainville.

Having a farm built on the property, Hudson became the first white settler to leave his imprint on what would eventually become Foxborough. However, it is believed that Hudson never lived on the property but rather leased it for a profit. For that reason, he can hardly be considered the first settler in the new territory; although he did begin the process that directly led to the presence of the area’s first homeowner. The home near Wading River was first leased to Richard George and later to John Daniell, who both worked the farm while living there.

In July of 1670, Squamaug, chief of the Ponkapoags, and King Philip Sachem of the Wampanoags met on Hudson’s property to settle the boundaries of their tribal lands. Those same boundaries would set the limits of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Plymouth Colony, which are the present boundaries of Norfolk and Bristol counties and the towns of Foxborough and Mansfield.

Foxborough was officially incorporated as a town in 1778 and was named in honor of Charles Fox, a member of the British Parliament who supported the colonists.

Other notable years in Foxborough’s history are 1798, the year Eunice Everett made her first straw hat, which lead to the nickname “Straw Hat Capital of the World”; and 1971, the year that construction began on Foxboro Stadium.

Foxborough is know for Gillette Stadium and the three time Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots, the new England Revolution Soccer Team and the Orpheum Theater that recreate many Broadway productions.

Town of Foxborough

The Town of Foxborough is run by a five-member Board of Selectmen, whose members are elected by the voters of the town on a staggered basis to three-year terms. There is an election held every year, with two members being elected each time, except for a year when one person is elected.

Foxborough employs a professional Town Administrator who has full administrative authority and carries out the decisions made by the Board of Selectmen. This Board of Selectmen is the chief policy-making body for the municipal government, except on school matters. www.foxboroughmaonline.com

Town Hall

40 South Street
 Foxborough, MA 02035

Public Schools

The town of Foxborough is served by a public-school district consisting of three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. www.foxborough.k12.ma.us

• Administrative Offices
  508-543-1660
• Burrell Elementary
  16 Morse St.
  508-543-1605
• Igo Elementary
  70 Carpenter St.
  508-543-1680
• Taylor Elementary
  196 South St.
  508-543-1607
• Ahern Middle School
  111 Mechanic St.
  508-543-1610
• Foxborough High School
  120 South St.
  508-543-1616

Private Schools

• Foxborough Charter School
  131 Central Street
  Foxboro, MA 02035
  508-543-2508 Phone
  5080-543-7982 Fax
  www.foxboroughrcs.org
• The Sage School
  171 Mechanic Street
  Foxboro, MA 02035
  508-543-9619 Phone
  508-543-1152 Fax
  www.sageschool.org

Real Estate

Whether you’re seeking a lot in a traditional neighborhood, a new single-family home, a custom home, or a Cape Cod cottage, Tri-Town has something for you. There are 1890s Victorians and stately Colonials, along with condominium developments for individuals age 55 and over. There are also assisted-living facilities with all the amenities. Foxborough is especially noted for its many state parks, which compliment the well-planned neighborhoods.

Transportation

Like Mansfield and Norton, Foxborough is at the crossroads of two major highways, I-95 and I-495, and enjoys the advantages that accompany a location near major metropolitan areas.

Foxborough is located on Route 140, which allows easy access to the interstate state Route 106, Route 1 and Route 1A.

Air travel is available to the U.S. and overseas. There is daily bus service to Logan (Boston) and Green (Warwick, Rhode Island) airports available thru Greyhound and a municipal airport in Mansfield can handle corporate and private planes.

Telephone Numbers

• Amtrak — 800-872-7245
• Logan International Airport — 800-235-6426
• T.F. Green State Airport — 401-737-4000
• Greyhound/Bonanza - 888-415-2566
  www.greyhound.com
  Look Up: Foxboro, MA 02035
  Pick-Up/Drop Off:
  PCI Courier, Inc.
  31 Middlesex Road
  Mansfield, MA 02048
• MBTA Commuter Rail — 617-222-3200
  www.mbta.com, go to Commuter Rails, Attleboro/Stoughton Lines
• Mansfield Municipal Airport — 508-339-3624
• Foxfield Taxi – 508-543-2828

Places of Worship

A rich diversity of worship choices exists in this New England community, where many residents are descendants of the first settlers who arrived seeking a place to practice the religion of their choice. Modern and traditional congregations meet in both new and old structures.

Community Groups and Organizations

A community group or organization is the perfect place to meet and interact while also helping the Tri-Town community. Offerings in Foxborough include the Foxboro Rotary Club, Foxboro Jaycees, Foxboro Lions Club, Founders Day Committee, Foxborough Senior Center, the Foxborough Discretionary Fund, and the Hockomock Area YMCA, www.hockymca.org.