Overview (from www.mass.gov Narrative supplied by the Town of Hudson) Located only 28 miles from Boston, Hudson is a quiet community of hard-working citizens which offers the beauty of a semi-rural New England town as well as the convenience of a metropolitan suburb. Bisected by the Assabet River, Hudson hosts numerous streams and two major lakes within its 11 square mile area. Home to several working farms, Hudson is also an economically well-developed community with a wide range of mature industry, including Intel's semi-conductor manufacturing facility. As Hudson is situated at the eastern-most terminus of Route 290, with two exits directly off Interstate 495, the town is accessible to the major cities of eastern Massachusetts and reflects the housing patterns of many of the communities along the 495 beltway. Hudson's schools are well supported by the community, and open town meeting government continues to provide Hudson's citizens with the opportunity for enthusiastic involvement in local affairs. Reflecting the basic forthright values of a small New England town, Hudson is an unpretentious community with a strong sense of tradition, a tolerance for differences and a willingness to embrace change. Quick History The Town of Hudson was incorporated in 1866 but European settlers established a footing in the area during the early 1600s. Throughout that century, conflicts with King Phillip, a Narragansett warrior, changed the landscape several times but by 1675, the settlers had managed to secure the land. To this day, however, the influence of these native tribes is relected in many of the names of places in the Hudson area. An 1894 fire destroyed much of downtown Hudson but citizens quickly went about rebuilding. Today, that area, which is located mainly between routes 85 and 62, are protected by the Silas Fenton District Commission. Those interested in architecture will appreciate the examples of Colonial, Federal, Romanesque Revival and Victorian styles that comprise this area, giving the downtown a unique flavor. Some of the more notable buildings are the Unitarian Church and the Town Hall, both on Main Street. The church has been graced by speakers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Lloyd Garrison and Mark Twain while the congregation was instrumental in providing sanctuary to the anti-slavery movement of the 1800's while others were silent. In 2004, Hudson received a grant to restore much of the downtown business district. The restoration is now complete and has improved the aesthetics immensely. Form of Government Hudson is governed by a Board of Selectman comprised of five members. That board appoints an Executive Assistant who oversees the day-to-day operation of the town. Legislation and appropriation is implemented through an open town meeting format. The above information is from www.townofhudson.org. Location Hudson is bordered by Berlin to the west, Bolton and Stow to the north, Sudbury to the east and Marlborough to the south. It is 18 miles northeast of Worcester, 19 miles south of Fitchburg, 28 miles west of Boston and 196 miles from New York City. Total Area: 11.85 sq. miles Land Area: 11.51 sq. miles Population: 17,233 Density: 1,497 per sq. mile (from www.mass.gov) Copyright The Esplanade: Main Street, Hudson