Natick Center is not the original center of town. Actually, the first buildings in Natick were in what is now called South Natick. As the town began to expand toward the north, people in that part of town complained about the long walk to church down by the Charles River. One part of town, called the Needham Leg, left and rejoined Natick multiple times. The new center was firmly established by 1840.

When the railroad came to town in 1832, factories began to replace individual production. The bird's eye maps of the day proudly show the factory buildings which were then a sign of wealth and prosperity.

Most of Natick Center was destroyed in the devastating fire of 1874. See our history pages for the complete story. The prosperous town was able to quickly rebuild.

The historic character of the town has been echoed in the more recent additions of new police and fire stations, the town hall and the Morse Library extensions.