Woburn, Massachusetts

The Town of Woburn is located approximately ten miles northwest of Boston, Massachusetts, in the upper Mystic River Valley. Woburn is densely populated, with approximately 38,000 residents occupying its thirteen square miles of land. Although situated on Rte. 128, the Commonwealth's noted "High-Tech Corridor" during the 1980s, Woburn's industrial history is largely in the past. Today the town is primarily a mix of residential neighborhoods, office parks, and conservation areas. Historic buildings abound, including the 1661 Baldwin mansion, and the Woburn Public Library, designed by architect H.H. Richardson in the stonework style which bears his name, Richardsonian Romanesque.

Woburn was first settled in 1640, and included the present-day towns of Wilmington, Burlington, and Winchester. As with many New England towns, Woburn was primarily agricultural until the 19th century. However, Woburn's signature industry was established in 1668, when Gershom Flagg opened the town's first tannery. Engineered by Col. Loammi Baldwin, the Middlesex Canal opened in 1803, providing a new avenue for importing tanbark, and the leather trade flourished. The Boston & Lowell Railroad (1835) contributed to the boom, and the Civil War increased demand for leather boots and shoes. By 1865, Woburn was home to 21 tanneries and related businesses. The tanning industry prospered until the mid-20th century, but by 1940, the number of tanneries in Woburn was reduced to six, and none remain today. Woburn was also home to the fledgling rubber industry, and inventor Charles Goodyear, who in 1839 discovered vulcanization, a process which hardens and stabilizes rubber. Manufacturing has declined since the mid-20th century, and many Woburn residents now commute to Boston and nearby cities for work. Retail, education and high-tech companies make up much of Woburn's economy, with local employers including ITT Technical Institute, Executrain, Mascon, Inc., Raytheon and the Woburn Mall.

Woburn's legacy of industry and construction makes exposure to asbestos an ongoing concern. Workers exposed to asbestos in Woburn may be at risk to develop mesothelioma cancer. For your convenience, we have listed mesothelioma oncologists located in or near Woburn at the bottom of this page. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma in Woburn, you should also consider contacting an asbestos attorney.

Jobsites in Woburn where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Woburn, MA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Woburn, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Woburn, MA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Woburn, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Woburn, MA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.