✅ Petition Referrals, LLC: Petition Jobs, Campaign Petition gatherer, Signature Gatherer Petitioner, Petition Signature Collector, Petition Circulator, Sales Canvasser, Outdoor Sales Representative

Woburn is a city located in Middlesex County in Massachusetts. As of the 2020 census, Woburn had a population of 40,963 residents, making it the 18th largest municipality in Massachusetts. Woburn was first settled in 1640 and officially incorporated as a separate town in 1642. Over the centuries, Woburn developed into a prosperous industrial city, home to numerous tanneries and factories. While industry is still part of the local economy, Woburn has also become a thriving suburban community located conveniently close to Boston.

History of Woburn

Woburn has a long and storied history. It was first settled in 1640 near Horn Pond by Captain Edward Johnson and other settlers from Charlestown. Johnson had originally considered settling near what is now Winchester but decided on the area near present-day Woburn instead, naming it "Woburn" after the town of Woburn in Bedfordshire, England. Woburn was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1642.

In the early years, Woburn's residents made their living primarily from agriculture. The fertile land produced abundant crops. Woburn also had ample forests, providing timber that fueled early industries like shipbuilding. By the late 1600s, Woburn was home to several sawmills and gristmills.

Woburn's proximity to the Mystic River led to shipbuilding becoming an important early industry. The first shipyard opened in 1668. Tanneries sprang up in Woburn in the late 17th century, taking advantage of the plentiful hemlock bark. During the American Revolution, 15 tanneries operated in Woburn supplying leather for army boots. The Central Street area became known as "Tannery Row."

In 1730, Woburn gained some fame as the site of the "Woburn Outrage." A number of Woburn citizens were jailed on suspicion of harboring runaway slaves. When a local mob tried to break down the door of the jail, a standoff ensued, resulting in the death of one man. News of the violent altercation spread through the colony.

Woburn continued to develop its manufacturing base throughout the 19th century. Leather, shoes, and rubber goods were important early industries. By 1866, Woburn had 22 shoe manufacturing shops. Cummings Leather also opened in Woburn in 1826 and would operate until the 1990s. In 1868, Charles Goodyear perfected the process for vulcanizing rubber in Woburn, leading to a longtime rubber manufacturing presence.

In the early 20th century, Woburn's farms were sold off and replaced by new residential neighborhoods as it transitioned to a suburban community. Still, industries like tanning and rubber manufacturing remained major employers. Woburn's economy and population flourished after World War II. Although deindustrialization in the 1960s and 1970s led to some decline, the city rebounded as a center for high tech and biotech companies.

Today, Woburn retains its historic character while also featuring suburban retail and dining districts. It embraces its manufacturing past through historic sites like the 1790 Baldwin House museum while also looking forward as a home to leading biotech firms.

Attractions and Landmarks

Woburn may be a suburban community, but it still offers many cultural attractions and historic landmarks that make it a great place to visit and explore.

Woburn Public Library

The Woburn Public Library first opened in 1879, although the current striking brick building dates to 1900. The library holds over 250,000 volumes and hosts numerous programs, class visits, lectures, and events throughout the year. The Local History Room and Archives collect and preserve materials related to Woburn's history.

Woburn Public Library
45 Pleasant St
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 939-0404

Horn Pond

Horn Pond is a lovely 181-acre recreational pond north of downtown Woburn. It was Woburn's original town center in the 1640s. Today, Horn Pond is surrounded by conservation land and trails. Popular activities include walking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. It is also the home of the Wakefield Estate which hosts cultural events and weddings.

GPS Coordinates: 42°29'21.0"N 71°10'16.0"W

Woburn Memorial High School

Woburn Memorial High School is a historic school building and landmark in the center of Woburn. The imposing three-story building was constructed in 1914 and is notable for its yellow brick facade and white classical details. It was named for local veterans who died in World War I. The building is still used as a public high school for Woburn students today.

Woburn Memorial High School
88 Montvale Ave
Woburn, MA 01801

Baldwin House

The Baldwin House is Woburn's oldest building, constructed in 1790. It was originally the home of Colonel Loammi Baldwin, a noted engineer, inventor, and civic leader in early Woburn. The house was later expanded and owned by the Thompson family. Today, the Baldwin House serves as a house museum providing insight into life in 18th century Woburn through its period furnishings, artifacts, and Baldwin's personal effects.

Baldwin House
80 Wood St
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 935-7057

Middlesex Canal

From 1803 to 1853, the Middlesex Canal linked Boston to the Merrimack River, facilitating shipping and commerce through Woburn and other towns. Today, remnants of the canal's towpaths can be explored at Horn Pond and on Canal Park. Informational signs and exhibits explain the canal's route and history.

Local Economy

Woburn developed as an industrial city known for leather tanning and manufacturing. While production is less central to Woburn than in earlier eras, leading local employers still include manufacturing firms:

• Cambridge Isotope Laboratories - Biotech, medical isotope manufacturing
• New England Milk Producers Cooperative - Dairy product manufacturing
• Accurate Brazing Corporation - Metal brazing

Other major employers highlight Woburn's evolution into a suburban city with service industries and technology companies joining the economic mix:

• Whole Foods Market - Grocery store chain headquarters
• Comcast - Telecommunications
• Verizon - Telecommunications
• Wakefield Investments - Financial services
• Zymeworks - Biotechnology
• Acquia - Web development
• Skanska Koch - Commercial construction

Transportation

Woburn enjoys convenient transportation access. Although it does not have commuter rail service within city limits, Woburn is located near both the Lowell and Haverhill lines of the MBTA commuter system. MBTA bus routes also connect Woburn to other communities and to the subway system. For drivers, Route 128/I-95 and I-93 provide express highway access to Boston and other cities and towns in the metro area.

School District

Public schools in Woburn are operated by the Woburn Public School District. The district provides education for students from preschool through high school. It operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one public high school.

County and Local Government

Woburn is located in Middlesex County in Massachusetts. The city has its own local government with a popularly elected mayor and city council. However, Woburn also relies on Middlesex County for certain county-level services and governance.

Tourism and Local Resources

In addition to its historic attractions, Woburn also provides amenities and resources that make it an appealing place to visit, live, and work:

Downtown Woburn

Woburn Country Club

Soccer and Lacrosse

Dining and Nightlife

Local Media

Map of Woburn

Petition Referrals LLC is NOT a contracting or employing entity for petitioners or contractors and does not collect signatures. Petition Referrals LLC is solely a referral service and any agreement or arrangement made between a petition collection company and a petitioner or contractor is strictly between them and the company. Petition referrals LLC disclaims any liability for any actions, omissions, or conduct of any petition-collecting company, petitioner, or contractor referred by Petition Referrals LLC.