Originally called the "Northeast Quarter", Hubbardston was part of Rutland until it became a town in 1767. It was named for Thomas Hubbard, one of the original proprietors. The first European settlers were recorded in 1737. The community has been described by historians as a poor town in its early years, sparsely settled and almost solely agricultural. By the 18th century, there were sawmills potash works and cottage industries, including the making of palm leaf hats, chairs, cabinets, shoes, and horse blankets.

By the 19th century, dairy and berry farming and market gardening were major enterprises. Immigrants from ireland, French Canada, England, Sweeden and Finland moved to town to work on local farms.

The town's early economy was based on agriculture and small-scale chair, boot and shoe manufacturing. It is described by historians as a poor town, sparsely settled and almost wholly agricultural, but having sawmills, potash works and cottage industries such as the making of palm leaf hats. Dairy and berry farming and market gardening were major pursuits in the town.

Hubbardston is located in the hill country of Central Massachusetts bordered by Gardner and Westminster to the northeast, Princeton and Rutland on the southeast. Barre borders on the southwest, and Phillipston and Templeton border on the northwest.

Hubbardston is 19 miles northwest of Worcester and 56 miles northwest of Boston.