Uxbridge, Massachusetts

Uxbridge, Massachusetts
Congregational Church and Civil War Memorial
Nicknames: 
  • "Cradle of the Industrial Revolution"
  • "Heart of the Blackstone Valley"
  • "A Crossroads Village"
Mottoes: 
  • "Weaving a Tapestry of Early America"
  • "President George Washington really did sleep here"
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42°04′38″N 71°37′48″W / 42.07722°N 71.63000°W / 42.07722; -71.63000
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyWorcester
Colonized1662
Incorporated1727
Government
 • TypeOpen town meeting
 • Chair, Board of SelectmenBrian Butler
 • Vice Chair-Clerk, Board of SelectmenJeff Shaw
 • SelectmenStephen Mandile, John Wise, Peter Demers
Area
 • Total
30.4 sq mi (78.7 km2)
 • Land29.5 sq mi (76.5 km2)
 • Water0.81 sq mi (2.1 km2)
Elevation
269 ft (82 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
14,162
 • Density479/sq mi (185.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes
Area code508 / 774
FIPS code25-71620
GNIS feature ID0618387
Websitewww.uxbridge-ma.gov

Uxbridge is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States, first colonized in 1662 and incorporated in 1727. It was originally part of the town of Mendon, and named for the Earl of Uxbridge. The town is located 36 mi (58 km) southwest of Boston and 15 mi (24 km) south-southeast of Worcester, at the midpoint of the Blackstone Valley National Historic Park. The historical society notes that Uxbridge is the "Heart of The Blackstone Valley" and is also known as "the Cradle of the Industrial Revolution". Uxbridge was a prominent Textile center in the American Industrial Revolution. Uxbridge was an early center for rural engagement in the American anti-slavery movement. The age of computing started here with IBM’s first, chief engineer and lab. Uxbridge "weaves a tapestry of early America".

Representatives of the Indigenous Nipmuc people deeded land to 17th-century settlers. Uxbridge granted rights to America's first colonial woman voter, Lydia Taft, and approved Massachusetts first women jurors. The first hospital for mental illness in America was established here. Deborah Sampson posed as an Uxbridge soldier, and fought in the American Revolution. A 140-year legacy of manufacturing military uniforms and clothing began with 1820 power looms. Uxbridge became famous for woolen cashmeres. "Uxbridge Blue", was the first US Air Force Dress Uniform. BJ's Wholesale Club distribution warehouse is a major employer today.

Uxbridge had a population of 14,162 at the 2020 United States census.