Sutton was incorporated in 1714 and quickly became an essential agricultural and industrial center in the Blackstone Valley. The town’s early economy was built on farming, but the development of Manchaug Pond and the surrounding village shifted its focus toward textiles in the 19th century. The Manchaug Company operated massive cotton mills that drew hundreds of French Canadian immigrants, transforming the area into a bustling company town. Beyond its industrial output, Sutton gained notoriety for its unique geography, specifically Purgatory Chasm, a massive fissure in the rocks that has been a site of wonder and folklore since colonial times. This mix of rugged natural beauty and water-powered industry defined Sutton’s identity as an industrious frontier of Worcester County.

Today, Sutton is a highly sought-after residential community known for its affluent, rural-suburban feel and its commitment to land conservation. While the heavy manufacturing of the Manchaug mills is a thing of the past, the town has successfully preserved its historic landscape, with many of its original 18th-century farms still operational or protected as open space. Its strategic location near the Route 146 corridor makes it a prime location for commuters working in Worcester and Providence who seek a quieter, country-like setting. The town remains a regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts drawn to Purgatory Chasm State Reservation and visitors to unique local landmarks like Vaillancourt Folk Art, blending its deep historical roots with a modern, high quality of life.