A residential and agricultural community on the east slope of the Nashua River Valley, Bolton’s rich forests and lime deposits supported quarries and kilns that once produced potash, lime, and brick products. During the 1800s, the economy expanded to include orchards and dairy farming.

Much of Bolton’s rural heritage is preserved in its current form as a residential suburb for nearby industrial communities and an exurb of Greater Boston. Originally part of Lancaster, Bolton incorporated in 1738. Its varied topography of rolling hills and gently sloping valleys has been one of its primary attractions for centuries.