Waltham, Massachusetts, known as The Watch City, was settled in 1634 and became a separate town in 1738. It was one of the earliest cities in eastern Massachusetts to industrialize, with early industries including paper mills and dye works. Waltham pioneered factory lighting using “illuminating gas” for safer operations.

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Over the years, the city evolved through a mix of agricultural and manufacturing achieving a number of firsts in both.

 

Today, Waltham is home to a wide range of high-tech companies and Bentley University's Social Innovation Incubator, which aids social entrepreneurs by providing training, resources, and expert guidance. The city is known as a prime location for start-ups in the region.