📍 Location & Geography
Whately is a small town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the Pioneer Valley region of the state, known for its rich agricultural heritage. Whately is bordered by Conway to the north, Deerfield to the east, Hatfield to the south, and Williamsburg to the west. The city is characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and the Mill River running through it.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Whately are approximately 42.44 degrees north latitude and 72.63 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Whately is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Springfield-Hartford, Connecticut Combined Statistical Area. The town covers an area of about 20.7 square miles, of which 20.3 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Whately had a population of approximately 1,500 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with small percentages of African American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Whately is around 45 years old, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of males than females.
🏛️ History
Whately was first settled in 1672 as part of Hatfield. The town was officially incorporated in 1771 and named after Thomas Whately, an English politician who never visited America but was a supporter of the colonies. Whately was primarily an agricultural community, known for its tobacco farms and apple orchards.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Whately is home to several conservation areas and parks, including the Herlihy Park and the Whately Ponds Farm Conservation Area. The town is also part of the Connecticut River Greenway State Park, offering residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous green initiatives and conservation efforts.
🏫 Education
Education in Whately is managed by the Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts. The town has one elementary school, Whately Elementary School. For middle and high school, students typically attend Frontier Regional School in neighboring Deerfield. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby towns and cities, including the prestigious University of Massachusetts Amherst.
🚧 Transportation
Whately is served by Interstate 91, which provides easy access to nearby cities like Springfield and Northampton. The town is also crossed by U.S. Route 5 and Massachusetts Route 116. Public transportation is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, with a bus route that connects Whately with other towns in the county. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 45 miles to the south.
📜 Trivia & Events
Whately is known for its annual Fall Festival, a community event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with a farmers market, craft fair, and live music. The town is also home to the Whately Historical Society, which operates a museum in the former town hall building, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s history. One interesting piece of trivia is that Whately is home to the longest covered bridge in Massachusetts, the Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge.