Medfield, Massachusetts
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| Medfield, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Medfield, Massachusetts |
| 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 | 1649 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1651 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 44.5 |
| Area land km2 | 43.0 |
| Area water km2 | 1.5 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 12699 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 11, 15, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02052 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-39775 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618375 |
| Website | www.town.medfield.net |
Medfield, Massachusetts. Medfield is a historic New England town located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, approximately 17 miles southwest of Boston. Settled in 1649 and incorporated in 1651, it is one of the oldest communities in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The town is known for its picturesque town common, strong sense of community, and its blend of colonial history with modern suburban life.
History
Medfield was first settled by English colonists from the nearby settlement of Dedham, as part of the Dedham Grant authorized by the General Court of Massachusetts. The town was officially incorporated in 1651 by an act of the Massachusetts General Court. During King Philip's War, the Medfield Raid of 1676 was a significant event where forces loyal to Metacomet attacked and burned much of the settlement. The town slowly rebuilt and later became a center for small-scale industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, including sawmills, gristmills, and a notable straw hat manufacturing industry. The arrival of the Boston and Providence Railroad in the 19th century connected Medfield more closely to Boston and spurred further growth. Several historic sites, including the Medfield Town Hall and the First Parish Church, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Medfield has a total area of 44.5 square kilometers, of which 43.0 square kilometers is land and 1.5 square kilometers is water. The town is bordered by Sherborn, Dover, Norfolk, Walpole, and Millis. Key geographical features include the Charles River, which flows through the town, and several conservation areas such as the Noon Hill Reservation and the Rocky Woods Reservation managed by the The Trustees of Reservations. The town's topography is characterized by rolling hills, wooded areas, and several ponds, including Lake Winthrop and Pond Street Pond.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, Medfield had a population of 12,699. The population density was approximately 295 inhabitants per square kilometer. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with smaller populations identifying as Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino. The median household income has historically been significantly higher than the state average, and a large percentage of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. The town is part of the Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Government
Medfield employs the Open town meeting form of government, with a Board of Selectmen serving as the chief executive body. The town operates under a home rule charter adopted in 1996. Other key elected boards include the Medfield School Committee and the Planning Board. For representation in the Massachusetts General Court, Medfield is part of the Norfolk and Suffolk district in the Massachusetts Senate and the 9th Norfolk district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. At the federal level, the town is part of Massachusetts's 4th congressional district.
Education
Medfield is served by the Medfield Public Schools district. The district includes Memorial School for early elementary grades, the Ralph Wheelock School for upper elementary, the Thomas Blake Middle School, and Medfield High School. The high school's athletic teams, known as the Medfield Warriors, compete in the Tri-Valley League. The town is also home to several private institutions, including the Montrose School, an independent college-preparatory school for girls. The Medfield Public Library, a member of the Minuteman Library Network, serves as a central community resource.
Notable people
Notable individuals who have lived in or been associated with Medfield include Ralph Wheelock, the town's first teacher and a early settler; Robert B. Parker, the acclaimed author of the Spenser detective series; and Mike Milbury, former National Hockey League player and coach. Other residents have included actress Michele Lee, Emmy Award-winning television director Will Mackenzie, and Major League Baseball player Chris Capuano.
Category:Towns in Norfolk County, Massachusetts Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Populated places established in 1651 Category:1651 establishments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony