Originally settled in 1638 as part of the Sudbury Plantation, Wayland, Massachusetts began as an agrarian community with collective farming and grazing along the Sudbury River. The town was officially incorporated in 1780. In 1835, the name Wayland was adopted to honor an individual who donated funds to establish the earliest library in the area. The Wayland Public Library is recognized as the first free public library in the state and the second in the country.

 

Throughout the 19th century, Wayland remained a farming town with small-scale industries such as boot and shoe manufacturing and iron forges. A significant portion of the town continued to be dedicated to agricultural pursuits.
By the next century, these original manufactures in the shoe industry began to decline. The postwar period brought Route 128 (I-95) and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), which made Wayland more accessible, accelerating its development into a residential suburb.

 

Today there is limited space for new development. The Wayland Economic Development Committee was established in 2010. The town now emphasizes redevelopment instead of expansion, aiming to preserve its semi-rural character while supporting small businesses and professional offices. Its economic identity now leans heavily on education, healthcare, and high-income professional services, reflecting the skills of its well-educated population.

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C&L Electrical Solutions offers prompt electrical services for Wayland's residents and small businesses through a local office.