📍 Location & Geography
Oakham is a charming town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town covers a total area of 21.5 square miles, of which 21.0 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles, or 2.23%, is water. Oakham is geographically positioned in the central part of the state. It is bordered by Barre to the west, Rutland to the south, and New Braintree to the north.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Oakham, Massachusetts are approximately 42°21′20″N latitude and 72°03′00″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Oakham is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts, which falls under the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town is predominantly rural, with a landscape characterized by rolling hills, open fields, forests, and numerous streams and ponds.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Oakham has a population of around 1,902 residents. The town’s demographic composition is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Oakham is approximately 44 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of males than females.
🏛️ History
Oakham was first settled by Europeans in 1749 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1762. It was originally part of Rutland but was separated due to the difficulty of travel caused by the town’s hilly topography. The town was named after Oakham, in Rutland, England, in honor of the English heritage of its early settlers.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Oakham is known for its rural beauty and serene environment. The town is home to several streams and ponds, contributing to a rich biodiversity. It is also surrounded by a number of state forests and conservation areas, such as the Rutland State Forest and the Ware River Watershed Area, which offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Oakham is managed by the Quabbin Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Oakham Center School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten to grade six. For secondary education, students attend Quabbin Regional Middle School and Quabbin Regional High School, both located in the nearby town of Barre.
🚧 Transportation
Oakham is served by a number of state and local routes. State Route 148 runs north-south through the town, while State Route 122 passes through the western part of the town. The town is approximately 20 miles from Worcester and 60 miles from Boston, making it relatively accessible for commuters. However, Oakham does not have a public transportation system, so residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Oakham hosts a number of community events, including the annual Oakham Country Fair, which celebrates the town’s rural heritage with agricultural exhibits, craft shows, and food vendors. The town is also known for its historical buildings, such as the Fobes Memorial Library, which was built in 1897 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.