Grafton, in South Central Massachusetts beside the Blackstone River is a semi-rural community of 14,000 residents committed to balancing the area's natural features with the needs of its citizens. Situated 6 miles south of Worcester and 30 miles east of Boston, the town has an impressive combination of old and new: Traditional...
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Grafton, in South Central Massachusetts beside the Blackstone River is a semi-rural community of 14,000 residents committed to balancing the area's natural features with the needs of its citizens. Situated 6 miles south of Worcester and 30 miles east of Boston, the town has an impressive combination of old and new: Traditional agriculture, along side modern research technology facilities. The town, incorporated in 1735 was one of three praying towns set up for Christianized Native Americans and the community takes its name from Charles Fitzroy, Duke of Grafton and grandson of King Charles II.
Early manufacturing, powered by the river was based in textiles, but other manufacturing developed. Ethan Allen engaged in the making of small arms and pocket knives in the early 19th century. The town originally consisted of six villages: Center Grafton; New England Village (North Grafton Centerville (Brigham Hill by the river Farnumsville, Fisherville, and Saundersville. These small manufacturing centers still possess several existing mill sites from the 19th century.
Today, this residential, light industrial and commercial community manages its natural beauty and resources well while continuing to provide an economic base. This typical historic town, complete with existing buildings preserved from its past, covers roughly 23 square miles and is comprised of Grafton, North Grafton and South Grafton.
The municipal government, run by open town meeting and a board of selectmen, provides a number of key services including a full-time police department, on-call fire department at three locations and a public school district. Each of the three sections of town has an elementary school. There is also one middle school and a high school. Grafton's public library is housed in a handsome brick building of arched windows and columns and is located on Grafton Common.
Many fine examples of 19th century architecture remain in the Early American, Greek Revival and Victorian homes along North, South and Worcester Streets. Historic homes are still in residential use and price at the same level as other real estate offered throughout Grafton. In August 2008, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Grafton, MA was $349,296. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
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