“Wesford” officially became a town on September 23, 1729! The following year, it welcomed additional land and part of Forge Pond from Groton, creating the town boundaries we know today, with a minor adjustment made in 1974 alongside Chelmsford.
It’s fascinating to note that the very first tax list recorded 89 names, and by around 1730, a vibrant village had started to emerge near the mills at Forge Village. By the 1765 census, Westford had grown to 962 residents across 169 families and 143 homes!
Fast forward nearly three centuries, and Westford has blossomed into a charming residential suburb with a mix of industry and offices, all while celebrating its rich history. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more from Westford Town Historian, Bob Oliphant, as he shares an engaging overview of our town’s legacy!
Robert “Bob” Oliphant, a local historian in Westford, originally hails from Oberlin, Ohio, where he studied metallurgy and materials science in college. He discovered his passion for genealogy during this time. After moving to Westford with his wife, Bonnie, and their three sons eight years post-graduation, he became involved in local history. He has served on the Westford Historical Commission, the Westford Museum and Historical Society board, and various town committees. Oliphant authored The Westford Gazetteer, conducted research for the Westford Historical Society, wrote the “Museum Musing” column for the Westford Eagle, and submitted weekly transcripts from Westford Wardsman to the Westford Historical Society webpage.