In 1679, 8 miles of land was transferred by the Native American Wampus to the English owners. By 1718, 4,960 acres of virgin land had been laid out and established by 30 settlers. Within sight from this common were house lots, a gristmill, the minister's home, a Masonic lodge, a meetinghouse, a store, several taverns and a large lake. This settlement grew at a steady pace, raising one of the largest Massachusetts militia regiments to fight in the American Revolution. The common became the focal point of the community, where the Declaration of Independence was read, spirited debates were held at Washington Hall and soldiers walked off to three wars. Noted visitors included John Paul Jones and Marquis de Lafayette on his triumphant return tour to the newly formed United States. Many of the 300th anniversary celebrations that took place in 2004 were centered around this common.