Woburn is one of the oldest and most historic communities in New England. The city was first settled in 1640 and incorporated as a distinct township in 1642. It first encompassed the towns of Wilmington, Burlington, and Winchester, which eventually broke off into separate towns. Woburn's economy remained mostly agricultural until the early 19th century. When the Middlesex Canal opened in 1803, the leather business boomed in the community due to the new means of obtaining tanbark. The Boston and Lowell Railroad opened in 1835 followed by the Woburn Loop Line in 1844, further expanding the shoemaking and tanning industries. The United States' early rubber industry was also established in Woburn by 1836. By 1855, Woburn became the leading leather producer in the area when the Civil War gave a boost to the industry due to its need for shoe leather. It remained strong until the 20th century, but started declining when the Great Depression hit.