Boylston, Massachusetts History, Economy and Politics
Boylston, Massachusetts is a small town located in Worcester County, approximately 25 miles west of Boston. The town lies between the towns of West Boylston and Shrewsbury and is bordered by the towns of Holden to the north and Berlin to the south. It covers an area of 11.2 square miles and has a population of approximately 5,500 people. Visit Sportsqna to learn about Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
The terrain in Boylston is mostly flat with some rolling hills in certain areas. The region has an abundance of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds which provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. The town also features several parks including Tower Hill Park which offers scenic views as well as a variety of sports fields and playgrounds.
Boylston also has several historical sites including the Boylston Historical Society which offers tours that highlight the rich history of the area. Additionally, there are numerous farms in the region that produce a variety of fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, strawberries, corn, squash and pumpkins.
The climate in Boylston is mild with hot summers that bring plenty of sunshine while winters are cold with occasional snowfall throughout December through February. The average temperature ranges from 18°F in January to 77°F during July with annual precipitation averaging around 45 inches per year mostly occurring during April through October months.
History of Boylston, Massachusetts
Boylston, Massachusetts was first settled in 1706 by a group of English colonists who were granted land by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The town was incorporated in 1786 and was named after Thomas Boylston, a Boston merchant who had donated the money to purchase the land.
Throughout its history, Boylston has been known for its agricultural activities. As early as 1790, there were over 200 farms in the area with many residents growing corn, wheat and other grains. Additionally, fruit orchards were planted throughout the town and during the 19th century several mills were built along local streams to produce flour and lumber.
The town experienced significant growth during the mid-1800s when several factories opened up in Boylston providing jobs to many of its citizens. By 1870, it had become one of Worcester County’s most populous towns with a population of over 4500 people.
In recent years, Boylston has seen a decline in its industrial sector as factories have closed down but it has also seen an increase in tourism due to its close proximity to major cities such as Boston and Worcester. Today, Boylston is home to numerous historical sites including Tower Hill Park which offers scenic views as well as a variety of sports fields and playgrounds. Additionally, there are several farms that produce a variety of fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, strawberries, corn, squash and pumpkins.
Economy of Boylston, Massachusetts
Boylston, Massachusetts is a small town located in Worcester County with an estimated population of about 5,000 people. The economy of the town is largely based on its agricultural activities such as farming and orchards. During the 19th century several mills were built along local streams to produce flour and lumber and this industry has been a major part of the local economy ever since.
In recent years, Boylston has seen a decline in its industrial sector as factories have closed down but it has also seen an increase in tourism due to its close proximity to major cities such as Boston and Worcester. As a result, many businesses have opened up in the area catering to tourists including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. Additionally, there are several farms that produce a variety of fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, strawberries, corn, squash and pumpkins which are sold at local markets or shipped out of state.
The town government also plays an important role in Boylston’s economy by providing various services such as water supply systems and waste management services. Additionally, the government provides funding for education which helps to attract new businesses that require highly skilled employees.
Overall Boylston’s economy is relatively stable with unemployment rates remaining low over the past few years due to its diverse economic base which includes agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and government services.
Politics in Boylston, Massachusetts
Boylston, Massachusetts is a small town located in Worcester County. The town is governed by a five-member Board of Selectmen which is elected by the citizens every two years. The board is responsible for setting the town’s budget, maintaining public safety and health, ensuring public services are provided and making sure that laws are enforced.
The citizens of Boylston also have representation on the Worcester County Commission as well as in the Massachusetts General Court and U.S. Congress. Additionally, there are local boards such as the Planning Board and Conservation Commission which advise the Town on matters related to land use, zoning and environmental protection.
The political climate in Boylston is generally conservative with most residents voting Republican in national elections. However, there is also a sizable population of independent voters who tend to vote based on the individual candidate rather than party affiliation.
In recent years Boylston has seen an increase in civic engagement with more people getting involved in local politics through volunteerism or joining community organizations such as neighborhood associations or environmental groups. As a result, many issues that were previously overlooked such as poverty or environmental protection have been brought to light and addressed by local officials through policy changes or increased funding for programs that address these issues.
Overall Boylston’s politics are reflective of its citizenry with a focus on fiscal responsibility while still maintaining an eye towards social justice and protecting the environment for future generations to come.
