How a 1704 settlement became a global sports and manufacturing landmark
In short: From the world's largest straw hat factory to the epicenter of New England football, Foxborough has undergone a radical transformation. Discover how this Massachusetts town leveraged strategic real estate and political maneuvering to secure its place on the global sporting stage.
Established in 1704 and incorporated in 1778, Foxborough was named after Charles James Fox, a British Whig MP who supported the American colonies. The town's industrial history is marked by a period of global dominance in the late 19th century; in 1886, it housed the world's largest straw hat factory. This landmark building eventually transitioned into the Bay State Boot and Shoe Company before a massive fire in 1936 destroyed the site, which now serves as the local post office.
The town's modern identity is inextricably linked to professional sports and the strategic vision of Robert Kraft. Following the era of the Sullivan family, who owned both the New England Patriots and the original Foxboro Stadium, Kraft acquired the stadium after it entered bankruptcy. In a pivotal 1994 move, Kraft prevented the Patriots from relocating to St. Louis by refusing to allow the team to break its lease, eventually purchasing the franchise outright. This led to the 2002 opening of Gillette Stadium and the 1996 founding of the New England Revolution.
Today, the town's landscape is defined by large-scale commercial and athletic infrastructure, including the Patriot Place shopping complex and the hosting of major international events. Having hosted matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Foxborough is set to return to the global spotlight as a host site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beyond the stadium, the town maintains a connection to its natural and historical roots through the 1,027-acre F. Gilbert Hills State Forest and the National Register-listed Foxborough Grange Hall.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Foxborough, Massachusetts
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