Grafton, MA : Town Profile
(last updated:1st Quarter 2006)
The Town of Grafton is located southeast of Worcester. Grafton was set off from a portion of Sutton and incorporated on April 18, 1735. It was the third of the original Praying Towns set up to Christianize the Indians and was known as the Plantation of Hassanemesco. The community was named after Charles Fitzroy, Duke of Grafton and grandson of Charles II. Early manufacturing centered around the production of textiles. Ethan Allen began to manufacture small arms, pocket knives, and the “pepperbox” revolver in town in 1832. Mills were established in each of the six villages that made up the town, thus establishing individual community centers. Today Grafton is a residential community with light industrial, commercial, and technology business activity.
