Named for Colonel Thomas Gardner, an American political figure and soldier, Gardner was incorporated in 1785 and became a city in 1923. It has a proud history of furniture making dating from the early 1800s when it became a center for the production of lumber and furniture industries.

Gardner continues to be known as the “Chair City” and “Furniture Capital of New England.” While manufacturing remains a contributor of the local economy, it is now diversified rather than solely concentrated on the chair and furniture industries.

Situated on Crystal Lake, Gardner is home to Dunn State Park, Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary and Mount Wachusett Community College. Its recreational opportunities include a municipal golf course, ice skating rink, and the southern terminus of the sixteen-mile North Central Pathway which offers bikers and walkers a link to downtown Winchendon.