Business View Civil and Municipal | May 2021

117 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL MAY 2021 TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS and proudly raised the Liberty and Union Flag, symbolizing their revolt from British oppression. Taunton was the first to make such a bold statement, and the city still prides itself on this historic moment, commemorating it in an annual Liberty and Union festival. Incorporated as a city in 1864, Taunton enjoyed much success in the 19th century. The community was known for its production and manufacture of iron and silver goods, and was a popular shipping point for grain from the farms of Massachusetts via the Taunton River. The introduction of a railroad added to the city’s importance as a transportation hub, its central location making it ideal. Today, Taunton is a thriving community with a population close to 58,000. Known as the Silver City, Taunton has a long history of silversmith operations, including Reed and Barton who operated out of Taunton for over 200 years. The city was also home to FB Rogers and Poole Silver Company. The Old Colony History Museum keeps the silver history alive, displaying a variety of silver artifacts among its historical treasures. Other items in the museum’s permanent collection include New England decorative arts, textiles, and military memorabilia, as well as printed material relating to the genealogical and historical background of Southeastern Massachusetts. Today, Taunton embraces a variety of business sectors including high tech, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers – with many offices and production facilities located at the 1029-acre Myles Standish Industrial Park. This industrial campus employs more than 8000 people, with only a three percent vacancy rate. Notable tenants include General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company; Martignetti Companies, the leading distributor of wines and spirits in New England; and Waters Corporation, an analytical laboratory instrument and software company. “The Taunton Development Corporation was formed to help grow, promote, and develop the industrial park Courtsey of Evan Francis Mayor Shaunna O’Connell Courtsey of Mike Gay