Happy birthday to the Town of Wellesley!
Our community is celebrating the 140th anniversary of its founding on April 6, 1881.
Wellesley was officially incorporated as a Town by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by the Governor on this date.
Formerly known as West Needham, under the leadership of Wellesley businessman and town benefactor Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, along with Henry Durant, Joseph Fiske, and others, the two towns separated after 110 years of work and discussion.
The new town was named Wellesley in honor of the Welles family. Isabela Pratt Welles was the wife of Mr. Hunnewell.
The Select Board honored this milestone anniversary during its April 5, 2021 meeting and signed a memorial birthday resolution recognizing the efforts of past leaders; acknowledging the many volunteers who work to protect and preserve the town's natural beauties, strengthen our schools, libraries, and other services; and renewing the commitment to work for good government in the spirit of Town founders.
Thank you to all residents, business owners, and visitors who enrich our Town!