Ashburnham is located in north central Massachusetts on the New Hampshire border, about half way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Connecticut River. Originally named Dorchester, Canada, and awarded as land grants to satisfy claims against the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the town was incorporated and renamed Ashburnham in 1765, 11 years before the nation declared independence from England. Offering beautiful high-elevation lakes, rushing streams, scenic hiking trails, and fresh air, Ashburnham is just an hour's drive from Boston, 30 minutes from Worcester, and 10 minutes due north of 2000+-foot Mount Wachusett.