History of Dedham, Massachusetts, 1700–1799
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Between 1700 and 1799, Dedham become one of the largest and most influential country towns in Massachusetts. As the population grew and residents moved to outlying areas, battles for political power took place. Similar battles were taking place within the churches, as liberal and conservative factions bristled at paying for ministers with whom they had differences of theological opinion. New parishes and precincts were formed, and eventually several new towns broke away. In 1793, Dedham became the shiretown of the newly created Norfolk County.
The town became less insular and less homogeneous as available land was used up and contact with other communities grew. Though more economically and socially equal than other communities, a lower class of residents began to emerge and depend on charity. Nearly every able man took part in the American Revolution. The population at the time was between 1,500 and 2,000 people, of which 672 men fought in the Revolution and 47 did not return.