Foxborough, Massachusetts
In 1704, settlers established a community in what is now Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The town received its official name from Charles James Fox, a Whig member of Parliament who supported the American Colonies before the Revolution. Local government records show the settlement was incorporated as Foxborough in 1778. Early maps spell the name with an 'o' at the end, though the United States Postal Service later adopted the abbreviated version. This naming choice honored a British politician who sided with the colonies during the struggle for independence.
The world's largest straw hat factory rose on this site in 1886. That massive building housed production until it became the Bay State Boot and Shoe Company in 1891. In 1894, operations shifted to become the Inman and Kimball hat factory once more. A spectacular mid-day fire destroyed the structure completely in 1936. Today, the Foxborough Post Office stands where that industrial giant once stood. No trace of the original construction remains above ground.
Schaefer Stadium opened its doors in 1971 as home to the New England Patriots. Billy Sullivan owned both the football team and the stadium until selling the franchise in 1988. The facility fell into bankruptcy after the sale. Paper magnate Robert Kraft purchased the bankrupt property and prevented the team from moving to St. Louis in 1994. He then bought the Patriots outright and founded the New England Revolution in 1996. Gillette Stadium replaced the old venue in 2002. Patriot Place shopping plaza finished construction around the new stadium in 2009.
July brings average high temperatures reaching 83 degrees Fahrenheit while January averages a low of 18 degrees. Nor'easters strike most often during winter months causing heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer with occasional damaging winds and hail. Tornado activity remains relatively low though warnings appear regularly over the years. Atlantic hurricanes threaten the region from late summer into early autumn due to proximity to the ocean. Periods exceeding 90 degrees or dropping below 10 degrees happen about 14 days per year.
The 2000 census recorded 16,246 people living within the town limits. Racial composition showed 97.09 percent White residents with smaller percentages for other groups. Median household income reached $64,323 at that time according to federal records. By 2011, median family income had risen to $108,209 based on American Community Survey estimates. About 2.3 percent of families lived below the poverty line in recent data. The built-up central area known as the Foxborough Census Designated Place held 5,509 people in 2000.
Memorial Hall stands as a stone monument dedicated to those who served in armed forces. It houses a permanent collection of historical artifacts relating to town history. F. Gilbert Hills State Forest spans land in both Foxborough and Wrentham for hiking and biking activities. Unique stone structures believed made by native Algonquin tribes exist within the forest boundaries. Patriot Place offers an outdoor shopping complex next to Gillette Stadium with restaurants and retailers. The Foxboro Grange Hall appears on the National Historic Register added in 1983.
Seth Boyden was born here before inventing patent leather and malleable iron processes. Nguyen Van Thieu served as president of South Vietnam from 1967 until 1975. Sam Berns inspired many despite being born with progeria. JoJo released music albums under her stage name Joanna Levesque. Tim Lefebvre played bass on David Bowie's final album Blackstar. Camille Kostek appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Sidney Lawton Smith worked as an engraver and bookplate artist.
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Common questions
When was Foxborough Massachusetts officially incorporated?
Foxborough Massachusetts was officially incorporated in 1778 according to local government records. The community was established by settlers in 1704 before receiving its official name from Charles James Fox.
What happened to the world's largest straw hat factory in Foxborough Massachusetts?
A spectacular mid-day fire destroyed the structure completely in 1936 after it operated as various shoe and hat factories since 1886. Today the Foxborough Post Office stands where that industrial giant once stood with no trace of the original construction remaining above ground.
Who purchased the bankrupt property that became Gillette Stadium in Foxborough Massachusetts?
Paper magnate Robert Kraft purchased the bankrupt property and prevented the team from moving to St. Louis in 1994. He then bought the Patriots outright and founded the New England Revolution in 1996 before Gillette Stadium replaced the old venue in 2002.
How many people lived within the town limits of Foxborough Massachusetts during the 2000 census?
The 2000 census recorded 16,246 people living within the town limits of Foxborough Massachusetts. The built-up central area known as the Foxborough Census Designated Place held 5,509 people in 2000.
Which famous figures were born or worked in Foxborough Massachusetts according to the script text?
Seth Boyden was born here before inventing patent leather and malleable iron processes while Nguyen Van Thieu served as president of South Vietnam from 1967 until 1975. Other notable individuals include Sam Berns JoJo Tim Lefebvre Camille Kostek and Sidney Lawton Smith who all have connections to the town.