In 1664 Native American leader, Peter Jethro, and other Nipmuc Indians deeded land around Lake Quinsigamond to settlers in the area.

The rapid fall of prices for agricultural goods, the shortage of hard currency, and the general economic depression following the Revolutionary War produced disastrous conditions for colonists.

A leather industry began in 1786 in Shrewsbury, and town farmers developed large cattle herds to support the manufacture of boots and shoes.

Luther Goddard began in 1809 by making brass clocks and then established a small watch factory employing a few skilled Swiss and English watchmakers.

Lumbering created sawmills, and they in turn drew chair and cabinet makers, plow and wagon builders.

A summer resort population on Lake Quinsigamond became consumers of the market garden produce grown by town farmers.

As Shrewsbury's industry was killed by the lack of large waterpower sites and the tardy arrival of the railroad, its role as a suburb of Worcester grew more important.

Other modern developments included an increased number of lakeside cottages, ethnic clubs and recreational areas on the lake.

Since the late 20th century, Shrewsbury and neighboring Westborough have seen a large influx of immigration from South Asia, particularly India.

The following sites in Shrewbury are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: The Shrewsbury Public Library was established in 1872.

The Select Board [30] includes Beth N. Casavant, Theresa H. Flynn (vice-chair), John R. Samia (chair), Michelle K. Conlin, and Carlos A. Garcia.