Wellesley

Wellesley is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States, about 15 miles west of downtown Boston. It is part of the Greater Boston area and is primarily residential, with a strong emphasis on education and a number of schools and institutions.

Wellesley College, located in the town, is a private liberal arts college for women founded in 1870 by Henry and Pauline Durant. It is historically associated with the Seven Sisters network of colleges and focuses on undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences. The campus includes facilities such as a botanical garden and a central library.

The area was settled by European colonists in the 17th century and later developed as a separate municipality in the 19th century. The name Wellesley derives from the Wellesley family, a surname associated with English nobility. The town includes residential neighborhoods, a historic town center known as Wellesley Square, and public parks and walking trails.

Beyond the college, Wellesley supports public schools, municipal services, and cultural activities. It is connected to the Boston area by regional rail and bus networks and is known for its educational institutions and civic engagement.