First settled in 1634, and incorporated in 1640, the Town of Braintree has a long and distinguished history. "Old Braintree," which originally encompassed what is now Braintree, Quincy, Randolph, and Holbrook, was the birthplace of John Adams, John Hancock, John Quincy Adams, and Sylvanus Thayer. Primarily a farming community for almost three centuries, Braintree was also home to a number of water-powered mills and businesses, which prospered along the banks of the Monatiquot River. With the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, several manufacturing plants were built near South Braintree Square. Farming and manufacturing have since been replaced by white-collar businesses and retail establishments. Since World War II, Braintree has become home to a larger and increasingly diverse residential and business population, due in part to its proximity to Boston and three major highways. Braintree presents images from the archives of the Braintree Historical Society and includes many previously unpublished photographs.