On April 29, 1754 the General Court of the Province of Massachusetts approved the petition to designate Lincoln as a town. As was typical in the province of Massachusetts Bay, the religious, civic and social core of a town was the meetinghouse, which stood in the geographic center. Other town buildings, homes and cemeteries that now comprise the historic center of Lincoln were built around the site of the original First Parish meeting house. Governance to this day continues to be centered on the open town meeting.

Conservation, preservation and education are important priorities in Lincoln. Residents value the town’s rural character and support the town’s extensive conservation land and historic preservation initiatives. Hundreds of acres are protected in town conservation and deeded as privately restricted lands. Drumlin Farm, Minuteman National Historic Park, DeCordova Museum and Park add to the open space and cultural environment of the town. The agricultural heritage of the town continues at Codman Community Farm and various farm projects around town. The town’s Council on Aging, and the recreation and celebration committees plan ongoing activities and events suitable to various age groups.

The Lincoln Housing Commission oversees ongoing creative efforts to support and maintain economic diversity in town. Notable are Lincoln’s two large multi-unit mixed income developments and smaller scale initiatives. There are also two adult condominium (over-55) developments as well as an assisted living complex now underway.

The center of Lincoln is approximately fourteen miles from the City of Boston. Commuters enjoy easy access to major routes in all directions. The MBTA commuter rail train station to North Station and other points both east and west and is located on the southerly side of the Lincoln Station Mall in South Lincoln.

Lincoln residents take pride in its excellent school system. Grades K-8 are accommodated at the complex in the center on Ball Field Road. A private day care and an after school program are accommodated on campus. Town tennis courts, playing fields and the swimming pool are located on the site. For grades 9-12 Lincoln students attend Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in Sudbury.