Located in Windham County, Ashford covers about 39 square miles. The first four families of settlers arrived in 1710 and quickly took steps to incorporate the town. Four years later the town of Ashford was founded. The town grew quickly because it was on the original roadway between Boston and Hartford. Although Ashford is a growing community 85 percent to the town is open space.

The rich industrial history of Ashford consisted of several carding, wool and tin factories dating back to the War of 1812. The Westford Glass Factory, a noted glass manufacturer in the 1870s also called Ashford home. Bottles made by Westford are prized antiques today. The ruins of the factory can still be seen in the village.

The housing found in town is mostly single-family homes, including newer construction. The majority of residents are between the ages of 25 and 49 and many of them commute to nearby Mansfield to work. The town also takes pleasure in the low crime rate.

A small school system with just one local school for children through grade 8 serves the community. High school students from Ashford, Mansfield and Willington attend Regional School District 19's E.O. Smith High School in Storrs.