Conveniently located just eight miles northwest of Boston, the Town of Winchester has developed from its seventeenth century colonial village beginnings into a thriving residential community noted for its fine public school system, beautiful homes and easy access to Boston.
Settled in the early 1600's by citizens from Charlestown, the village was first known as Waterfield and became part of Woburn, the neighboring city to the North. Originally an agricultural community with upland farms on the western side of town near Lexington, the tiny village of 200 settlers evolved into a bustling mill town, with the advent of the Middlesex Canal and the Boston and Lowell Railroad (now Boston and Maine commuter rail) in the early 1800's. Grist mills, tanneries and small factories along the banks of the Aberjona River created a lively industrial village.
The Village declared its independence from Woburn in 1850, and the town fathers honored a local gentleman, Colonel William P. Winchester, by giving the new town his name. The late 1800's saw the development of Winchester as an affluent suburban community, as wealthy businessmen from Boston moved out to "the country" and built substantial homes. The town's character is still largely reflected in the beautiful houses built just before and after the turn of the century.
The village atmosphere remains, however, fueled by the unusual civic spirit of Winchester's residents. The citizens of the town take a deep interest in the management of the town's affairs and in its continued improvement and beautification. Local organizations produce annual events which have become traditions and part of the Winchester way of life.
