Foxborough
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| Foxborough | |
|---|---|
| Name | Foxborough |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Norfolk County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1704 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1778 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Population total | 18415 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02035 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-24820 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618350 |
| Website | www.foxboroughma.gov |
Foxborough is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, located approximately 22 miles southwest of Boston and 18 miles northeast of Providence, Rhode Island. It was officially incorporated in 1778, with its early economy centered on agriculture and later, straw hat manufacturing. The town is internationally recognized as the home of Gillette Stadium, the venue for the New England Patriots of the National Football League and the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
History
The area was originally part of the Wampanoag territory and was settled by colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1704, initially known as the West Precinct of Stoughton. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1778 and named for Charles James Fox, a British Whig statesman who supported the American Revolution. Early industries included several mills on the Cocasset River and, by the 19th century, the town became a national center for the production of straw hats, with companies like the L. B. Evans' Son Company operating large factories. The arrival of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in the 19th century spurred further growth, connecting the community to major markets in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.9 square miles, of which 20.0 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. It borders Sharon, Mansfield, Wrentham, Walpole, and Norfolk. The landscape features several ponds, including Lakeview Pond and Carpenter Pond, and is part of the Taunton River watershed. A significant portion of the town's western area is occupied by the F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, which offers extensive wooded trails and recreational space.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 18,415. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Asian and Hispanic or Latino communities. The median household income is above the state average, and a high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Population density is moderate, with a mix of single-family homes, condominiums, and some multi-family dwellings, reflecting its evolution from a rural farming community to a suburban residential town.
Economy
The town's economy has transformed from its historical base in manufacturing to a diversified model centered on entertainment, retail, and healthcare. Gillette Stadium and the adjacent Patriot Place retail and entertainment complex are the largest economic drivers, generating significant tourism, employment, and tax revenue. Major employers also include Brigham and Women's Hospital, which operates a large ambulatory care center, and various technology and service firms. The Union Straw Works building, a historic landmark from its hat-making era, has been adaptively reused for commercial purposes.
Government
Foxborough operates under the open town meeting form of government, with a Board of Selectmen serving as the chief executive body. The town provides standard municipal services through departments such as the Foxborough Police Department and the Foxborough Fire Department. It is part of the Massachusetts House of Representatives's 1st Norfolk district, the Massachusetts Senate's Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex district, and the 9th congressional district of Massachusetts.
Culture and recreation
The town is synonymous with professional sports, hosting major events like Super Bowls and CONCACAF tournaments at Gillette Stadium. The Foxborough Historical Commission maintains several sites, including the Lucius B. Evans House and the Boylston School. Annual events include the Foxborough Founders Day celebration. Recreational facilities are abundant, featuring the F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, the Foxborough Country Club, and the Foxborough Universalist Church, which hosts community events. The Orpheum Theatre provides a venue for performing arts.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Towns in Norfolk County, Massachusetts Category:Populated places established in 1778