Hopkinton Historical Commission

11/20/2025

Welcome to this charming Craftsman-stye home in the highly desired Grafton Hill area. Just minutes from commuter rail, highways and hospitals. This move-in ready home offers the perfect blend of character & modern updates. Step inside to find two first floor...

11/15/2025

Wood's cotton factory historical video created by John Ritz of the Hopkinton Historical Society. It is located behind the auxiliary Fire Dept. in Woodville, near lake Whitehall.

11/15/2025

John Ritz created for the Historical Society, here is a map of historical signs around Hopkinton. https://sites.google.com/view/hopkinton-history-kiosks/home

11/05/2025

History Event Nov 8th 1pm, Military History

10/20/2025

Congratulations to Colin Stacey on the clearing of the Wood's Mill site and the installation of an informative sign on the history of the Mill

10/07/2025

A little local history, a special thanks to the Hopkinton historical Commission for putting this together.

10/07/2025

09/15/2025

Discover Hughes Farm Trail, located on Hayden Rowe– A Scenic Escape in Hopkinton, MA. Come and check out the new Hayden Rowe history sign!

Nestled in the heart of Hopkinton, Hughes Farm Trail offers a serene and picturesque setting for walking and running enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're lacing up your running shoes for a heart-pumping jog or heading out for a peaceful stroll, this park provides the ideal destination for enjoying the outdoors.

Featuring well-maintained trails that wind through lush greenery, Hughes Farm Trail serves as a refreshing escape from the everyday hustle. Its scenic beauty truly shines through the changing seasons, offering vibrant views and a tranquil ambiance year-round. From the golden hues of autumn to the fresh blooms of spring, every visit offers something new to appreciate.

Perfect for casual walkers, avid hikers, and seasoned runners, the park invites you to explore its peaceful paths and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness or simply unwind, it is the perfect place to connect with the outdoors.

A special thank you to all the volunteers, various boards and committees, that made this park possible.

09/15/2025

Hopkinton Water troughs an example exists behind the Hopkinton Fire department on Main Street. It is easy to access and view from the CVS parking lot, behind the FD. They appear to be granite and in excellent condition. Looks like two stacked.

Hopkinton, like other towns in the region, would have seen its public watering troughs become obsolete due to the shift from horse-drawn transport to automobiles.

Disease prevention: In the early 20th century, many cities and towns in New England shut off water to public troughs due to the fear of spreading contagious diseases like glanders, a bacterial infection affecting horses.

Competition for space: As car ownership increased, public troughs at busy intersections became a nuisance and a traffic hazard.
Teamsters' complaints: In the early 1900s, some teamsters (drivers of horse-drawn vehicles) still advocated for public troughs, but their numbers were in decline.

Final use: The troughs were either removed or repurposed, with some being used for flowers, as cars replaced horses as the primary mode of transportation.

05/18/2025

Very interesting historical locations around Lake Maspenock
See the attached link provided by David Cormier.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1G1awO0okNgDkmLlzdGd_Px36GMQ3xhQ&usp=drive_link

A map with locations of historical sites in the Towns of Hopkinton, Milford and Upton Massachusetts

05/17/2025