| History
Thirteen years after the Pilgrims established Plimouth Plantation,
Tantasqua Indians led a scout, John Oldham, to a deposit of black
graphite, located on the present-day Leadmine Road in Sturbridge.
This deposit was purchased from the Indians, and mining began in
1658. When it was incorporated in 1738, Sturbridge was a small
farming community. Fiskdale Village, on the banks of the Quinebaug
River on the west side of town, was the site of water-driven mills, many
of which have now been converted into shops and homes. Dams which
provide power for the mills can still be seen along the river. The
Worcester South Agricultural Grounds, off Route 20 on Cedar Lake, hosted
years of New England fairs complete with annual harness racing.
Today one can see Sturbridge's beautiful old homes and public
buildings. The Town Common is included in the national historic
district. This area is also home to the Publick House, a period
restaurant and inn, formerly the Elms Inn established in 1771. Old
Sturbridge Village attracts visitors year round, and Route 20 is a busy
commercial and shopping area.
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| Town Facts
Population (2000): 7,837
Registered Voters (1996): 5,735
School Enrollment (1996): 1,473
Worcester County
Square Miles: 38.95
Public Road Miles (1996): 78.18
Median Family Income (2000): $64,455
Tax Rate (2003): $17.61
Contact Information
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