Town of Raynham
Established- April 2, 1731

Early Raynham, actually a part of Taunton until 1731, was originally a subsistence farming town although it developed an embryo ironworks in 1652. This industry became the first successful ironworks in America as it continued to produce until 1876.

The ironworks provided work for many people including lumbermen who cut the trees for the wood from which charcoal was made to fuel the blast furnaces. There were other such early industries as sawmills and gristmills.

In 1710, having met the state requirement of 30 families and the ability to support a church and schooling, the present Raynham became a separate town. Norton and Dighton had already separated from Taunton.

Although the town can boast of no major hero, one of the residents gained fame through his Revolutionary War service. Toby Gilmore, a black and a former slave, volunteered in 1776 to serve in the Continental Army in place of his master who had been drafted. He served under General George Washington as tent master and is believed to have crossed the Delaware with him and spent the winter at Valley Forge. At the end of the war, Washington presented him with a cannon in appreciation for faithful service. Toby and his Family brought out the cannon and fired it on each Fourth of July. He is buried in North Raynham.

A possible first for the town is noted in that a base of paint was discovered here and it is believed that the developer also made the first blue paint in Raynham made anywhere in the country.

Townspeople also early recognized conservation as desirable. As an observer noted in the 1800's, trees were being planted to replace forest which had been cut.

www.town.raynham.ma.us


Historic Sites

Soldiers' monument, Raynham Center.
Anchor and marker designating the site of the first successful ironworks in America, 1652-1876, on South Main St.