The population grew through the 18th century, and names such as Tiot, Morse Village, and Ellis distinguished the various population centers within South Dedham. On February 13, 1872 Norwood became a town of Norfolk County when the Act of Incorporation was approved by the General Court. At that time, 1,825 people, almost exclusively Anglo/Saxon Protestant, lived within its area of 10.48 square miles. Spurred by its status as a separate town, Norwood was launched into a growth pattern. Between the years 1872 and 1922, industry replaced agriculture as the economic base of the community. Many of Norwood's industries were world-famous for their products.

Several of these old industries have since dissolved or moved out but others have survived and prospered. Attracted by the rise of new industry, various foreign-born people moved into the Town and the population increased to over 12,600. The influx and assimilation of immigrants has placed Norwood among the most culturally diverse towns of its size and type in New England. Economic and physical expansion culminated in the "Town Manager" for of government in 1914 as a more effective way to administer the growing town.

Norwood Mass is located in Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by Westwood on the north, Canton on the east, Sharon on the south, and Walpole on the west. Norwood is 14 miles south of Boston; 15 miles north of Brockton.