Incorporated in 1636, Dedham is located about ten miles west of Boston. It originally included sixteen separate towns and extended as far as the Rhode Island border. In later years, Dedham became seat of the Norfolk County. The town has many interesting features, such as the Charles River, on which many beautiful homes and mansions are located and which acts as a center for recreational activity, and Mother Brook, in the early days used by many industries for its waterpower.