The Town of Carver is situated in southeastern Massachusetts, 38 miles from Boston, and is the site of three rivers, brooks, ponds and sizeable swamps. The town had large cedar and pine stands so the abundant water power provided energy for many sawmills. The discovery of iron ore in the region stimulated the development of iron foundries as well, while the agricultural economy in the town was based heavily on cranberries. In the 1940's, the Town of Carver produced more cranberries than any town in the world and despite dramatic population increases, Carver's cranberry bogs are still an important part of the town. Additionally, the bogs, forest land and large amounts of water served to limit development and retain a rural flavor for the community.

Money from iron built handsome mansions in Carver, some of which still exist, while the foundries and bogs drew immigrant workers from the Cape Verde islands and from Finland who remain as part of the town's population. Although Carver is now clearly a suburban commuter community, it is one of the few towns with a significant remaining agricultural component as cranberries have become a big national business.