The Jewelry City Legacy: How Attleboro’s Past Still Shapes Its Future
Attleboro’s History Still Sparkles in 2025
For generations, Attleboro has proudly held the title of “The Jewelry City.” While the goldsmiths and silversmiths who made this nickname famous may no longer dominate the local economy, the city’s rich legacy continues to shine through in new ways—from restored mill buildings to a community that still values craftsmanship, creativity, and hard work.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Attleboro's jewelry industry dates back to the late 1800s when small workshops and factories lined the streets. Companies like L.G. Balfour and Leach & Garner were household names, producing everything from military insignias to fine jewelry. These businesses helped shape not only the city’s economy but also its identity.
Even today, you can see the influence of that era in the architecture—many brick buildings once used for manufacturing are now home to modern businesses, art studios, and loft apartments. They’re a daily reminder of the city’s industrious past.
Preserving the Past While Building Forward
Local organizations and historians have worked hard to preserve Attleboro’s story. The Attleboro Area Industrial Museum continues to host exhibits that showcase vintage tools, jewelry-making techniques, and stories from former factory workers. It’s a popular stop for school groups and visitors interested in how the city helped define an American industry.
Meanwhile, new development efforts are finding ways to incorporate this history into the present. For instance, some downtown revitalization projects have leaned into the city’s jewelry roots, creating design motifs and public art installations that pay tribute to the industry’s heyday.
A City Still Known for Making Things
Attleboro may no longer rely solely on jewelry manufacturing, but its spirit of innovation remains. Today’s makers are more likely to work in tech, small-scale fabrication, or creative arts. From local metal sculptors to precision component manufacturers, Attleboro still knows how to make things that last.
Entrepreneurship is on the rise too. Businesses are opening in reimagined industrial spaces, and local makers' markets often feature handcrafted goods that echo the city’s artisanal heritage.
Looking to the Future—With History in Mind
As Attleboro looks ahead, it’s clear that its past isn’t just preserved—it’s actively influencing the future. City planners, local businesses, and community leaders continue to draw inspiration from the values of quality, pride, and precision that defined the jewelry era.
Whether you're walking past a beautifully restored mill building or picking up a locally made craft item, the Jewelry City’s sparkle is still very much alive.
