 Jefferson was established in 1774 and incorporated as a town in 1831.However, a year later, in 1832, the citizens of the town decided that municipal government was unnecessary, and dis-incorporated the town, which has been unincorporated since then.According to archaeologist Mary F. Barse, Jefferson was initially laid out in 1774 on a tract owned by Mrs. Eleanor Medley, which was ultimately called "New Town".