Originally a part of neighboring Chelmsford, West Chelmsford soon grew large enough to sustain its own governance, and was officially incorporated as Westford on September 23, 1729.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Westford primarily produced granite, apples, and worsted yarn. The Abbot Worsted Company was said to be the first company in the nation to use camel hair for worsted yarns. Citizens from Westford also had some notable involvement in the Revolutionary War. Westford Minutemen were alerted by efforts of Samuel Prescott who alerted Acton, to the southeast towards Stow.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.3 square miles and a population of almost 22,000. With a well-respected school district, two town beaches on spring-fed ponds, a beautiful state-of-the-art library (established in 1797), and an active community center, Westford is a family-oriented town.
Colloquially, the town is divided into different regions based on location, including Forge Village, Nabnasset, Graniteville, Parker Village, and Center of Town. The town’s Master Plan maintains a distinction between the Commercial and Residential zones of the town, divided by Route 495. This allows for growth in the town while maintaining the character of this lovely area, and a balance of open spaces, without encroachment of commercial development as you approach Westford’s Historic Town Center.
The town was rated as #11 Best Places to live by CNN Money in 2013.