Charlton, Massachusetts founded in 1963

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Home of the Charlton Historical Society

255 Stafford Street

Charlton, MA 01507

  • The most historic building in Charlton

  • Constructed in 1797

  • One of the least altered and best documented examples of a wayside tavern of the Federal period in New England

  • General Marquis de Lafayette visited in 1824

Directions

From Massachusetts Turnpike, take exit 9 (Sturbridge). Turn right at second exit onto Route 20 east. After entering Charlton, at the fourth set of traffic lights turn left onto Center Depot Road. Then turn right at the blinking light. The Rider Tavern, 255 Stafford Street, is about 1 mile on the left, at the intersection with Northside Road.

 
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  • One room schoolhouse

  • Last of District Schools in town ownership

  • School bell circa 1719

  • Bell donated by Jesse Smith, a captain during the American Revolution

  • Classes ceased in December 1949

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Militia Lot

Located opposite the Rider Tavern

The Militia Lot is town owned

General Marquis de Lafayette reviewed the assembled troops here in 1824

213 Charlton Men served in the Civil War