Early in its 250 year history Northborough presented a varied environment. The town s rich soils supported family farms while its location on the Assabet River encouraged water powered manufacturing. Positioned on the main thoroughfares from Boston to points west, it supported transportation of agricultural products, manufactured goods, and even military armaments. The growing population s needs were met by local shopkeepers, doctors, and bankers.Primarily viewed as a residential community, Northborough today is enhanced by a vibrant mix of commercial establishments. Excellent fruit and vegetable farms, though fewer in number, are highly visible. The saw and textile mills, comb and button factories have been replaced with businesses that address modern needs. With a surging population, shops have been replaced by stores of growing size and number. The major roads that cross the town enable active warehouse and shipping operations that carry freight along the same basic routes that were once used by oxen. While much has changed in fairly dramatic fashion, one can still see threads of the past as we enter our 2016 Sestercentennial."