Settled as a frontier town in 1655 in the Indian region called Petapawag. When attacked by Indians of King Philip in 1676 all houses but four were burned, and the town was temporarily abandoned. Again attacked in 1689, 1704 and 1723.
Near by stood a garrison house, residence of Captain James Parker, Commander of the town forces in King Philip's War. Here Captain Parker parleyed with the Indian Chief John Monoco regarding his threat to burn Groton and Boston, March 13, 1676.