History
Taunton was established March 3, 1639, from common land called Cohannett. The majority of the early settlers came from Dorchester in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By 1640 the 46 original purchasers had adopted the name Taunton. The town expanded with the North and South Purchases, and eventually contracted as daughter towns became independent.
Perhaps the earliest industry here was the smelting of bog iron, which began in the mid-seventeenth century. Among the notable products of the town's iron industry were anchors for ships including the U.S.S. Constitution. Metalworking has long been a major area of industry here, including iron products from shovels to locomotives, and silversmithing has at times been especially prominent.
The town's locaion, at the head of navigable waters on the Taunton River, made it an inland seaport. That made possible local industries such as shipbuilding, shipping and coastal trade, and fishing. Water power from the river drove the growth of factories, including textile mills. Clays found in the area spawned brick and stoneware industries.
Taunton played a prominent role in King Philip's War, and has distinguished itself in all American wars from the Revolution to this time. In 1774 the Liberty and Union Flag, which some regard as the first American flag, was raised on the Green in defiance of the English crown, and still flies in many places in the city today.
The town became the seat of Bristol County in 1746, and became a city in 1864. It has the largest land area of any city in the Commonwealth. It has grown from a population of 3,804 in the 1790 census to 55,976 in 2000.
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About the Town
Taunton is a city of rich diversity and is divided into five primary neighborhoods including Weir, Whittenton, Oakland, Westville and East Taunton. Each neighborhood has its own corner stores, churches, neighborhood associations, parks and playgrounds. Regardless of where one lives in this city of nearly 56,000, it is a small town, friendly and personable. Residents enjoy fishing, boating, hiking or sunbathing at one of Taunton's various recreational spots, including Massasoit State Park, Watson State Park, Boyden Park, Sabbatia Lake or the Taunton River. Downtown Taunton is an active shopping district and a pleasant scenic area. The town also houses the Silver City Galleria, a 160-store mall located in East Taunton. Residents feel the diversity offered by Taunton makes the city an interesting and exciting place to live and visit. Geographically, Taunton is only 14 miles north of Fall River, 33 miles south of Boston, and 16 miles from Providence.
1852 Bristol Academy Building
Old Colonial Historic Hall Since 1926
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