The area five miles square north of Charles River was assigned to Dedham in 1635 by the Mass General Court. Title was obtained by purchase from the Indians William Nehoiden in 1680 and John Maugus in 1681. Settlements existed here prior to 1694. It was incorporated on Nov. 6, 1711, and the first town meeting was held on Dec. 4, 1711. Needham leg was set off to Natick in 1797. Turtle island was set off to Newton in 1803. Needham's west parish was incorporated as the town of Wellesley in 1881.