Ashland
Located in Middlesex County, the town of Ashland was settled in 1750 and incorporated in 1846. Over the town’s history, Ashland has been home to a number of notable figures such as one of the accused witches from the Salem witch trials Sarah Cloyes, prosecutor in the Neil Entwistle murder trial Michael Fabbri, inventor of the Lombard General Nathaniel Lombard, and the inventor of the mechanics necessary for the electric clock Henry E. Warren. The electric clock made a lasting impression on Ashland locals as their high school sports teams are nicknamed “The Clockers”. Surrounding Ashland are the residential communities of Framingham, Sherborn, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Southborough.
The original landowners of Ashland were the Megunko Indians, remembered by the town’s Megunko Hill. After the settlers took over the area, the town was first known as Unionville but thereafter received its present name of Ashland. Over the years, Ashland slowly came into its own and in concern to its economic development, progress was made gradually. This changed with the 1830s construction of the Boston & Worcester Railroad and by the Sudbury River. Both resources helped to spur on the growth of mills and the production of boots and shoes. Moving into 20th century, particularly with the post- war boom in the 1950s, Ashland shifted from a small rural community and into a residential suburb by the 1980s.
Even with Ashland’s substantial growth, the town still retains its small community feel with annual traditions such as with Ashland Day and the Thanksgiving Day football game against Hopkinton. In addition, the residents of Ashland are fortunate in their proximity to a number of outdoor sites, which includes the Ashland Reservoir, Ashland State Park, Sudbury River Park, Sudbury River Reservoir, and Stone Park, as well as being near to Ashland if Hopkinton State Park, Framingham Reservoir One and Two City Forest, and Macomber Estate. Ashland is also host to the largest Hindu temple in the Northeast: the Sri Lakshmi Temple. In terms of education, Ashland is served by Ashland Preschool, the Mindess Elementary School, Henry E. Warren Elementary School, William Pittaway School, Ashland High School and Ashland Middle School. The town of Ashland can be reached by way of the MBTA Commuter Rail, by I- 90, I-495, and by Routes 126 and 135.
