[1] The area was first settled in 1651 when the town of Reading received a special land grant north of the Ipswich River.

A historical source wrote: Original grants of large farmsteads along the river during the mid-17th century brought six families to the settlement before 1680.

The economy of the town in the 17th and 18th century was based on subsistence farming with limited hop production.

These shops produced cheap footwear that was sold south to clothe slaves, and the Civil War destroyed the town's industry.

The North Reading Board of Selectmen has five members who are elected to serve three-year overlapping terms.

The board may enact rules and regulations in a variety of areas, as well as establish town policies and procedures on many issues, unless such issues are delegated by law or vote of the town meeting to another officer or board.