The Town of Dedham was incorporated in 1837. Located on the western border of Hancock County, it was previously known as Township 8, which included the Town of Otis. A scenic area on the US Route 1A corridor, it boasts 16 bodies of water and a mountain group which helped it gain the nickname of "Switzerland of America". Town affairs are handled through a Town Meeting/Board of Selectmen form of government. On average, two town meetings are held per year - the annual meeting in June, which sets the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and a special town meeting in the fall when the mil rate (tax rate) is set. The Board of Selectmen meet twice a month. Brief history Nesting eagle pictures 2007/2008 Town Report