Needham is a suburb of Boston located in Norfolk County. It is located on rocky uplands within a loop of the Charles River, almost isolated from the surrounding countryside. Needham also touches
West Roxbury in Boston,
Newton, and
Dedham.
Within the neighborhoods of Needham are a lot of old buildings built back in the 18th Century that have at one time or another housed some great and eccentric characters. Needham's claim to fame is as the birthplace of Joey McIntyre, member of the music group
New Kids on the Block.
Needham was first settled in 1680 and incorporated in 1711. The town of
Wellesley used to be part of West Needham, until they split off and incorporated themselves in 1811. Early settlers relied primarily on agriculture and grazing plus some winter lumbering with orchards and tanneries as supplements in the 1700s. Saw and grist mills were opened along the Charles through the 18th century. Knitters from the English Midlands, displaced by economic changes in their own country, migrated to Needham and the surrounding towns to reestablish their businesses. Land speculation, housing development and knitted underwear continued to be the foundation of Needham’s economy into the 20th century.
Today Needham is primarily a residential suburban community with easy access to Boston. A strong school system and strong sense of community keep the town vibrant and growing as it approaches its 300th anniversary.
