ASHLAND - MILE 1.9
The "Bay Path" route continues along Route 135 into the Town of Ashland. The original name of the town was the Village of Magunkaquog, a name established by Natick Indians about 1659. The town later became known as Unionville after the Boston & Worcester Railroad company opened a passenger station to serve Ashland's growing industrial base. The town name was eventually changed to Ashland in 1846. "Ashland" came from the name of Henry Clay's (unsuccessful presidential candidate of 1844)plantation in Lexington,Kentucky. Clay's former home is now a National Historic Landmark and museum. The marathon route, today known as West Union Street and Union Street, continues past the Ashland State Forest, which is on the right after entering Ashland. This Massachusetts state park includes a swimming beach at the Ashland Reservoir. After crossing the Main Street intersection, the Ashland Technology Clock is at mile 4.0 at the intersection of Union and Chestnut Streets. This tower is a noteworthy local landmark. On the left the Sudbury River comes into view all the way into Framingham.
Until 1924, the marathon route commenced at various starting points in Ashland. The last such start point was at Steve's Corner, where Route 35 (West Main Street) intersects with Oliver Street and Frankland Road.
