Worcester, the ?Heart of the Commonwealth”, developed an extremely diverse industrial base. This diversity was a magnet for drawing immigrants from all parts of the world to work in the industries an
By the mid-nineteenth century 80 percent of Charlton land was used for agricultural purposes. The railroad arrived in 1838 giving the farmers new markets. The dairy industry, from which Charlton recei
By the mid-nineteenth century, Spencer was beginning its 100-year progression in the wire and shoe business. The railroad arrived in 1879, opening new markets. Trolleys arrived in 1891 to aid workers'
Known as "the golden era," the period from 1880 to 1920 brought unbridled growth, prosperity, and national note to the second largest city in Massachusetts. Worcester's population in