📍 Location & Geography
Grafton is a charming town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, approximately 35 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 23.3 square miles, of which 22.9 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water. The town is surrounded by the communities of Shrewsbury, Upton, Northbridge, Sutton, Millbury, and Westborough.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Grafton, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2070° N latitude and 71.6856° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Grafton is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated in the Blackstone Valley, a region with a rich industrial history. The town falls under the Worcester metropolitan area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Grafton is estimated to be around 18,000. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age in Grafton is approximately 40 years. The town is home to a large number of families, with many residents working in professional, sales, and management occupations.
🏛️ History
Grafton was first settled by Europeans in 1727 and was officially incorporated in 1735. The town was named after Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton, a title that was created for the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England. Grafton played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution with its numerous mills powered by the Blackstone River.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Grafton offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities with its numerous parks, trails, and water bodies. The town is home to the Grafton Land Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Grafton’s natural habitats. The town is also part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that celebrates the area’s unique cultural and natural history.
🏫 Education
Grafton is served by the Grafton Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Grafton High School. The town is also home to the private Grafton Country Day School. For higher education, Grafton houses the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, which is one of the top veterinary schools in the country.
🚧 Transportation
Grafton is well-connected by road and rail. The Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) passes through the southern part of the town, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the Grafton MBTA station, which offers commuter rail service to Boston. Additionally, several local and regional bus services operate in the area.
📜 Trivia & Events
Grafton hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Grafton Farmers Market and the Grafton History Day. The town is also known for the Willard House and Clock Museum, which showcases the history of clock making in the region. Grafton was the backdrop for the 2014 movie, “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.