Bolton, MA

Bolton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 10,868 at the 2010 census. Bolton is located approximately 20 miles west of Boston and 5 miles east of Worcester. Bolton is bordered by Upton to the north, Westminster to the east, Charlton to the south, and Northborough to the west.

The town was first settled in 1730 as part of Charlton. The town was renamed Bolton in 1777 after General John Bolton who fought in the American Revolution. The first settler in Bolton was Ebenezer Richardson who built a mill on what is now known as Richardson's Pond. In 1802, James Gurney purchased Richardson's Pond and built a sawmill which became one of the largest mills in New England. Gurney also built a gristmill which became one of the most important mills in Bolton for over 100 years. In 1848, Joseph Hemenway purchased Gurney's mill and began producing woolen goods which led to Hemenway becoming one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts. In 1865, Hemenway sold his mill to James Fenton who began producing cotton goods which led to Fenton becoming one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts. In 1892, Fenton sold his mill to Charles Atherton who began producing textiles using new technology called "power looms". Atherton's Textile Company became one of the largest textile companies in America and employed over 1,000 people at its peak.

In 1923, Charles Atherton died and his son Edward took over management of Atherton's Textile Company which eventually became known as EATCO Industries Incorporated which produced textiles for both domestic and international markets including military uniforms for World War II . EATCO Industries ceased operations in 1984 but was later revived as an industrial park that employs over 150 people today .

Today , there are several businesses located within Bolton including: Dunkin' Donuts , Subway , BJs Wholesale Club , Staples , GameStop , Verizon Wireless , Ford Motor Company ( Plymouth Plant) , Allied Signal Corporation ( Bolton plant) , NEC Corporation ( Bolton plant) . There are also several restaurants located within town including: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar ; Big Y Supermarket ; Burger King ; Domino's Pizza ; Friendly's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt ; Long John Silver 's Seafood Restaurant . There are also several churches located within town including: First Baptist Church; Saint Paul Catholic Church; United Methodist Church; Trinity Episcopal Church . There are also several recreational facilities available within town such as: Bolston Community Park ; Dudley Recreation Complex ; Greenfield Community Park .