Southbridge, incorporated in 1816 from parts of three surrounding towns, established itself as a quintessential New England mill town thanks to the power provided by the Quinebaug River. This water power initially drove sawmills and gristmills, but by the 19th century, it was the engine for massive textile operations and, most famously, a sophisticated optical industry. Southbridge earned the unofficial title, the “Eye of the Commonwealth,” as it became the global headquarters of the American Optical Company (“AO”). At its peak, AO was the world’s largest manufacturer of ophthalmic products, employing thousands locally and attracting successive waves of immigrants—including Irish, French-Canadians, Poles, and Greeks—whose diverse cultures built the vibrant neighborhoods and beautiful, historical downtown that characterize the city’s past.

The closure of the American Optical Company in the 1980s was a significant blow that challenged Southbridge’s economy, yet the town has since focused on diversifying its economic base and revitalizing its historic assets. Today, the economy is supported by a mix of sectors, including advanced manufacturing (many still optics-related), retail trade, and, notably, a strong presence in healthcare, anchored by Harrington Hospital. The town remains highly culturally diverse, welcoming new residents from Puerto Rico and Southeast Asia. Efforts are underway to leverage state programs for renewal, focusing on attracting new investment to its available commercial and industrial properties, and restoring the charm of its walkable downtown, thus blending its rich industrial heritage with a vision for a diversified, prosperous future.