Grafton, New England town in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Grafton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, spread across several districts including North Grafton, Centerville, Farnumsville, Fisherville, and Saundersville. The town displays a mix of architectural styles from different periods, with Early American, Greek Revival, and Victorian buildings visible along its main streets.
Settlement began in 1718 when early colonists purchased land from the Nipmuc Native Americans in an area formerly known as Hassanamisco. In that period, missionary efforts brought a church and school where Indigenous people studied their own language alongside Christian teachings.
The central Common serves as a gathering space where visitors can explore how the town has shaped its identity through public landmarks and seasonal events. This green space reflects how the community connects to its past through regular assemblies and shared activities.
The town offers routes for exploring its historic streets such as North Street, South Street, and Worcester Street, accessible on foot or by car. Visitors can find parking throughout the area and explore the different building styles at their own pace.
In the town's early years, English missionary John Eliot worked on a church and school where Native people studied in their own language, an unusual approach for colonial times. This experiment in Indigenous education near the Common was rare in New England and reveals a lesser-known side of settlement history.
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