📍 Location & Geography
Shelburne Falls is a historic village located in the town of Shelburne in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in Franklin County and is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village straddles the Deerfield River, which divides the town of Shelburne from the town of Buckland.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Shelburne Falls are approximately 42.6043° N latitude and 72.7392° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Shelburne Falls is located in the western part of Massachusetts, in the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of 26.4 square miles, of which 25.9 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. The village is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.
👥 Population & Demographics
As Shelburne Falls is a village, it does not have a separate population count from the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. However, as of the 2010 census, the town of Shelburne had a population of 1,893 and Buckland had a population of 1,902. The demographics of the area are predominantly white, with a small percentage of the population being of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other ethnic backgrounds.
🏛️ History
Shelburne Falls was established in 1768 and was originally known as Deerfield River. The village was named after William Petty, the second Earl of Shelburne, a British statesman. The village grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad and the thriving local industries, including tool manufacturing and textile mills.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Shelburne Falls is known for its picturesque natural beauty. The village is home to the famous Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge now covered with a garden of flowers that attracts tourists from around the world. The Glacial Potholes, a geological feature formed during the last Ice Age, is another popular natural attraction in the area.
🏫 Education
Education in Shelburne Falls is provided by the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. The village has one elementary school, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Mohawk Trail Regional High School located in Buckland.
🚧 Transportation
Shelburne Falls is accessible by Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Route 112. The closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 60 miles away. The village does not have a railroad station, but Amtrak service is available in nearby Greenfield.
📜 Trivia & Events
Shelburne Falls is known for its annual events such as the Bridge of Flowers Classic Road Race and the Iron Bridge Dinner, where residents and visitors dine together on the Iron Bridge. The village has also been a filming location for several movies, including “The Judge” and “Labor Day”.