Explore the Centre

Bisected by Route 9, the Centre brings forth memories of another era.

To the north is the village green surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, the Village Hall, the Old Academy, and Edgell Memorial Library. Bordered by stately homes dating back to the early 19th century, the Centre presents the image of a classic New England Village. It encompasses two historic districts - the Centre Common District and the Jonathan Maynard District running out Pleasant Street.

To the south of Route 9, more historic properties line Maple and Main Streets, crowned by the famous Minuteman Statue at the junction of the two. Atop a nearby hill stands Framingham State University.

The Centre History

The founder of our community, Thomas Danforth, chose this spot near the geographic center of his land grant to erect the first meeting house. It grew to become the center of commerce in the early 1800s, when the route of the Worcester Turnpike was laid out, taking it through this location. Situated at the halfway point between Boston and Worcester, it became a stopping place for the stage coach, and taverns and hotels were soon built here as well as many fine homes.