The Historic Districts of Medway, Massachusetts

Rabbit Hill

The Rabbit Hill National Historic District was designated as a National Historic District by the Massachusetts Historical Commission on April 1, 1988. The district is located in West Medway on Rabbit Hill. Its central point is the Community Church built in 1814. There are 58 building located on nearly 30 acres in the district.

The district draws its name from the most significant geographical feature in the area – RABBIT HILL. Originally the entire area was a stony pasture with scrub growth and largely inhabited by rabbits. The land was deeded to the Second Church of Christ by Jabez Shumway in 1814 (now the site of the Community Church).

Almost all the houses in the district are 100 years old or more. Main Street (Route 109) was opened in 1810, Milford and Highland Streets in 1829 and 1834-5 respectively. Most of the building within the district took place within the first 75 years of the 19th century. The significant quality of the district is the preservation of an earlier New England village scene. Its cohesive nature along with the quality and styles of the homes adds distinction to the area. The district has some of Medway’s best examples of Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian buildings. Enjoy them as you walk through the Rabbit Hill Historic District.

Located along the Charles River in the southeast corner of town, the Medway Village Historic District was designated as a National Historic District in December, 2008.  Medway Village consists of over two hundred historic buildings on approximately 60 acres of land. 

Medway Village was the first area in town to see significant growth as the textile mills on the falls of the Charles River were established at the end of the eighteenth century and the industrial development during the nineteenth century.  By the 1830s, the area was known as Factory Village.

As you walk through Medway Village, refer to the historic walking tour pamphlet prepared by Timothy Dobday.  Walking tour pamphlets can be found at the Town Hall or by contacting the Medway Historical Society.  The unique architecture and historical facts will surely enlighten you as you tour Medway Village.