Westborough, MA
Westborough was incorporated in 1717, formed from parts of Marlborough, and developed as a small inland town shaped by agriculture and early industry. Located along key routes between Boston and Worcester, it became a place of steady movement and growth. In the 19th century, Westborough played a role in the evolving ideas of social reform, most notably as the site of the Lyman School for Boys, one of the first reform schools in the country focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and later the Westborough State Hospital, known for its early efforts toward more humane mental health care.
Recent Posts
“Blue Star Memorial”
This memorial sign in downtown Westborough is part of the nationwide Blue Star Memorial Highway Program, a tribute created to honor members of the United States Armed Forces. The term “Blue Star” comes from the blue star banners that families displayed in their windows during World War I and World War II when a family member […]
Lyman School for Boys
In Westborough, an entire landscape tells a deep, complex story. In 1848, Westborough became home to something new in the United States: The State Reform School for Boys, the first publicly funded reform school for boys in the country. The idea behind it reflected a changing view of childhood. Rather than sending young offenders to prison, […]
