Canton

Canton is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, positioned about 15 miles southwest of Boston. The Canton River runs through the center, shaping the geography and neighborhoods on both sides.

The area has been inhabited for at least 12,000 years, as archaeological evidence from the Paleo-Indian period shows. Paul Revere opened the first copper rolling mill in the nation here in the early 1800s.

The town holds regular public meetings where residents participate in local governance decisions, maintaining direct involvement in community development and policy making.

The town connects to several major highways and sits on the commuter rail line toward Providence. Public meetings take place regularly and are open to all visitors.

The Wamsutta site preserves traces of one of the oldest inhabited spots in North America. These findings rank among the earliest evidence of human presence on the continent.

Location: Norfolk County

Inception: 1630

Elevation above the sea: 30 m

Website: http://town.canton.ma.us

GPS coordinates: 42.15833,-71.14528

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:04