Framingham was one of earliest communities to incorporate in Massachusetts, ceding Danforth’s Farms into the city in 1700. Travel between Boston and Worcester along a road that later became Route 9 made Framingham an attractive place to stop and to relocate for easier access to the eastern and central cities.

 

By the middle 1800s this proximity was key to industry and mills locating in the city. Since those day, manufacturing has been a foundation to the Framingham economy. Companies have manufactured everything from automobiles to audio equipment in the city and it is currently the headquarters of one of the largest retailers in the country. Biotech and health related companies operate research and development centers in the area.

 

As a diverse mix of people and businesses, the city has chartered the Economic Development Corporation to ensure the future of Framingham without sacrificing the quality of life for local residents.