Blandford, Massachusetts, was first settled by Scots-Irish Presbyterians from Hopkinton in 1735, originally naming their new home “Glasgow.” It was officially incorporated as Blandford in 1741, reputedly named after the ship that brought Governor William Shirley to America. Situated on important early travel routes, including the “Road to Tunnock” (later the General Knox Trail), Blandford became known for its numerous taverns catering to weary travelers on the Boston-to-Albany trek. Early industries were largely agricultural, with a significant focus on dairy farming, especially cheese production, which became a very successful venture in the 1800s. North Blandford also emerged as a manufacturing hub, utilizing water power for woolen and paper mills, tanneries, and various other small-scale manufactories like basket shops and wood-turning factories. The discovery of kaolin clay beds in the late 19th century led to the establishment of the Blandford Brick and Tile Co., supplying fire-resistant bricks across New England.

Today, Blandford, Massachusetts, maintains its identity as a quintessential rural New England town, characterized by its rolling hills and extensive woodlands. With a population of around 1,200 (though some sources indicate a recent increase to over 1,300 for the zip code), it remains a small community where a high percentage of residents are homeowners. While the intensive industrial activity of its past has largely receded, the town’s economy now includes a mix of healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Blandford is also seeing a shift towards new natural resource-based businesses, with solar power developments and cannabis cultivation operations utilizing former open spaces. The town is home to the historic Blandford Fair, an annual Labor Day weekend event that celebrates its agricultural roots, and boasts historic landmarks like the White Church, now owned by the Blandford Historical Society, continuing to preserve its rich heritage.