Framingham | Massachusetts, United States - Encyclopedia Britannica

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• The Official Site of Framingham, Massachusetts

Framingham Massachusetts, United States Ask Anything Homework Help Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 14, 2026 •History Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything

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Neighborhood in Framingham left without water for 2nd time this week as another water main breaks • Feb. 13, 2026, 1:11 AM ET (CBS) Show less

Framingham, town (township), Middlesex county, eastern Massachusetts, U.S. It lies along the Sudbury River, about 20 miles (32 km) west of Boston. Settled in 1650, it was incorporated in 1700 and derived its name from Framlingham, Suffolk, England. Framingham Center, just north of the downtown area, was the original village. Framingham’s industrial development dates from 1835, with the utilization of local waterpower and the advent of the railroad. Textile mills and carpet production were important during the 19th century. The local economy is now dependent on services (health care, education, business services, and research), trade, and light manufacturing (including office products). Framingham State College was founded in 1839 at Lexington and relocated in 1853. Major recreational areas include Cochituate State Park, the reservoirs on the Sudbury River, Callahan State Park (1970), and Garden in the Woods, with its landscaped fields of wildflowers. Area 26 square miles (67 square km). Pop. (2000) 66,910; Cambridge-Newton-Framingham Metro Division, 1,465,396; (2010) 68,318; Cambridge-Newton-Framingham Metro Division, 1,503,085.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kenneth Pletcher.