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. Most of the images used in Dedham have never before been published. They show the homes, businesses, and portraits of some of the most illustrious citizens, as well as the more modest individuals who have made an impact on the town. They include rare photographs related to the military, unusual events, and the unique everyday life of Dedham and its citizens from the earliest days of photography. Also among them are photographs by Fred Holland Day, considered one of the fathers of modern photography.