The American 'No Taxation Without Representation' slogan may have roots here

History · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before it became a revolutionary cry in the 1770s, a defiant act of civil disobedience occurred in a Massachusetts town. In 1684, Taunton residents refused to pay taxes without assembly consent, creating a political precedent that would eventually shape the American identity.

Taunton received its name from a Somerset village in England, having been established in 1637 by Plymouth Colony settlers. The settlement was established on land purchased from the Wampanoag Natives as part of the Tetiquet Purchase. While local folklore often centers on Elizabeth Poole as the primary purchaser, historical records clarify she was a major benefactor and financier who was accorded equality in land and iron works holdings, rather than the sole buyer.

The city's industrial identity is defined by its transition from iron to silver. In 1656, the first successful iron works in the Plymouth Colony were established nearby, and Taunton's own iron works operated for over 200 years until 1876. By the 19th century, the city pivoted to become the "Silver City," home to renowned companies like Reed & Barton, which began silverware production in 1824. This era also saw the rise of heavy machinery, including steam locomotives and textile equipment.

Taunton's history is marked by significant shifts in governance and infrastructure. It served as a base of operations during King Philip's War and was re-incorporated as a city in 1864. In 1897, the city took a progressive step by purchasing the Taunton Electric Lighting Company to create a publicly owned utility. Today, while it remains a hub for manufacturing and high-tech distribution, it preserves its heritage through nine historic districts and its legacy as a center of early American industrialization.

The city's geography is unique; it is irregularly shaped due to the annexation of surrounding towns, making it roughly triangular. It serves as a major cultural melting pot, with a significant Luso-American population. This diversity is a direct result of the late 19th-century industrial boom, which drew a massive wave of immigrants to work in the city's bustling mills.

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