Norfolk County

This administrative region in eastern Massachusetts includes 28 municipalities with Dedham serving as the seat of government. The territory extends south of Boston and covers coastal towns as well as wooded inland communities.

The territory was created in 1793 by a decision under Governor Hancock, splitting it from Suffolk. Several American presidents grew up in towns within this region in the following centuries.

The name comes from Norfolk in England and was chosen in the late 18th century. Visitors find historic colonial and early republic buildings in many towns, now used as homes or small museums.

Administrative services are accessible in Dedham and many municipalities offer public information online. Visitors can explore towns independently or visit individual historic buildings.

Two municipalities lie separate from the main area: Brookline is surrounded by Suffolk, and Cohasset borders the rest only by water. This geographic split came from historical boundaries and remains today.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1793

Capital city: Dedham

Shares border with: Middlesex County, Suffolk County, Plymouth County, Bristol County, Providence County, Worcester County

Website: https://norfolkcounty.org

GPS coordinates: 42.19916,-71.15444

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:12