Stow, Massachusetts

Stow, Massachusetts. Stow is a historic town in Middlesex County, part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Settled in the mid-17th century, it has retained a largely rural and residential character while being accessible to major employment centers. The town is known for its significant conservation lands, historic districts, and its role in the early American Industrial Revolution.

History

The area was part of the Praying Indian town of Hassanamisco and was purchased from the indigenous people by a group from Charlestown led by John Boon; the town was officially incorporated in 1683. Early industry was powered by the Assabet River and its tributaries, with numerous mills established for grain, lumber, and later, the production of piano parts and boots. The Stow Center Historic District and the Lower Village Historic District preserve architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. During the American Revolutionary War, local minutemen responded to the alarm from the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 46.8 square kilometers, of which 45.3 square kilometers is land and 1.5 square kilometers is water. Stow is bordered by Bolton, Lancaster, Harvard, Boxborough, Acton, Maynard, and Hudson. The landscape features the Assabet River and several brooks, along with significant protected areas including portions of the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Delaney Wildlife Management Area, and Lake Boon. White Pond is a notable glacial kettle hole pond.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 7,301. The population density was approximately 161 inhabitants per square kilometer. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income was above the state average, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Housing is primarily single-family homes.

Government and infrastructure

Stow employs an Open town meeting form of government, led by a Board of Selectmen and a professional Town manager. The town provides standard municipal services, with police coverage from the Stow Police Department and fire protection from the Stow Fire Department. Key infrastructure includes the Stow Municipal Building and the Stow Department of Public Works. The town is served by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for water and maintains its own wastewater management. Major roadways include Route 62 and Route 117.

Education

Public education is managed by the Nashoba Regional School District, which Stow formed with Bolton and Lancaster in the 1950s. Students attend the Florence Sawyer School for elementary and middle grades and Nashoba Regional High School for secondary education. The district is overseen by the Nashoba Regional School Committee. Several private schools operate in the area, including the Riverbend School and the Applewild School. The town is also served by the Stow Free Public Library.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the town include John Boon, its principal founder; Charles B. Atwood, architect of the World's Columbian Exposition; and Samuel May, a noted abolitionist and Unitarian minister. Modern figures include John Hodgman, humorist and author; Mike Barnicle, newspaper columnist; and Tommy Heinsohn, Boston Celtics Hall of Fame player and broadcaster.