Chartered in 1656, the town of Bridgewater is one of the oldest communities in the country. As early as the 18th century, foundries were operating along the northern periphery of the downtown where iron forgings for the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were produced. A century later, shoe, nail and brick manufacturing emerged in the area, employing hundreds of former agricultural workers from nearby farms or immigrants from distant lands.

The historic character of the community is largely preserved in the Federal, Italianate and Greek revival commercial and civic structures surrounding the central common. Landscaping on the common and elsewhere in the downtown area is meticulously maintained by the Bridgewater Improvement Association, a non-profit organization devoted to the beautification of the community. Downtown remains a vital center of community life where Autumn and Christmas holiday festivals are held each year.

Bridgewater is a growing community of over 24,000. Its central location at the interchange of Route 24 and Interstate 495 provides convenient access to Boston, Providence and Cape Cod. The town is home to the oldest and largest state college, Bridgewater State College.