Uxbridge, Massachusetts

Uxbridge, Massachusetts
Congregational Church and Civil War Memorial
Nicknames: 
  • "Cradle of the Industrial Revolution"
  • "Heart of the Blackstone Valley"
  • "A Crossroads Village"
Mottoes: 
  • "Weaving a Tapestry of Early America"
  • "President George Washington really did sleep here"
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42°04′38″N 71°37′48″W / 42.07722°N 71.63000°W / 42.07722; -71.63000
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyWorcester
Colonized1662
Incorporated1727
Government
  TypeOpen town meeting
  Chair, Board of SelectmenBrian Butler
  Vice Chair-Clerk, Board of SelectmenJeff Shaw
  SelectmenStephen Mandile, John Wise, Peter Demers
Area
  Total
30.4 sq mi (78.7 km2)
  Land29.5 sq mi (76.5 km2)
  Water0.8 sq mi (2.1 km2)
Elevation
270 ft (82 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
14,162
  Density480.1/sq mi (185.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes
Area code508 / 774
FIPS code25-71620
GNIS feature ID0618387
Websitewww.uxbridge-ma.gov

Uxbridge is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States, first colonized in 1662 and incorporated in 1727. It was originally part of the town of Mendon, and named for the Earl of Uxbridge. The town is located 36 mi (58 km) southwest of Boston and 15 mi (24 km) south-southeast of Worcester, at the midpoint of the Blackstone Valley National Historic Park. The historical society notes that Uxbridge is the "Heart of The Blackstone Valley" and is also known as "the Cradle of the Industrial Revolution". Uxbridge was a prominent Textile center in the American Industrial Revolution. Two Quakers served as national leaders in the American anti-slavery movement. Uxbridge "weaves a tapestry of early America".

Indigenous Nipmuc people near "Wacentug" or “Waentug” (river bend), deeded land to 17th-century settlers. Uxbridge reportedly granted rights to America's first colonial woman voter, Lydia Taft, and approved Massachusetts first women jurors. The first hospital for mental illness in America was reportedly established here. Deborah Sampson posed as an Uxbridge soldier, and fought in the American Revolution. A 140-year legacy of manufacturing military uniforms and clothing began with 1820 power looms. Uxbridge became famous for woolen cashmeres. "Uxbridge Blue", was the first US Air Force Dress Uniform. BJ's Wholesale Club distribution warehouse is a major employer today.

Uxbridge had a population of 14,162 at the 2020 United States census.