FRAMINGHAM

Framingham is a fascinating town whose rich history began in the seventeenth century. Originally inhabited by the Nipmucs, this "wilderness land" was explored by English adventurers and soon after witnessed the fury of King Philip's War. At first a haven for Salem families seeking refuge from the witchcraft hysteria, Framingham grew to become one of the most populous towns in America. As an agrarian society transformed itself into a center for commerce and manufacturing in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the economic life of the town shifted from Framingham Centre to South Framingham. The importance of the Boston to Worcester stagecoach stop faded as the railroad spurred new growth. Rapid development of industry and infrastructure followed and Framingham became the home of many "firsts": the nation's earliest teacher's college and the first prison for women are both located here. In 1951 one of the world's first shopping malls, Shoppers World, was built along the notorious Route 9. Framingham, a marvelous photographic history containing over 200 carefully selected images, explores the exciting evolution of this intriguing Massachusetts community.