📍 Location & Geography
Holden is a town located in Worcester County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town covers a total area of 36.2 square miles, of which 35.6 square miles is land and 0.6 square miles is water. The town is situated in the central part of Massachusetts and is surrounded by the towns of Paxton, Rutland, Princeton, Sterling, West Boylston, and Worcester.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Holden are 42°21′1″N latitude and 71°51′22″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Holden is part of the Worcester metropolitan area, which is the second-largest city in New England. The town is divided into several villages, including Jefferson, Holden center, Chaffin, and Quinapoxet.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 United States Census, the population of Holden is approximately 19,000. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age of the residents is around 42 years.
🏛️ History
Holden was first settled in 1723 and officially incorporated in 1741. The town was named after Samuel Holden, a former director of the Bank of England. The town’s growth was initially slow, but it experienced a population boom in the 20th century due to its proximity to Worcester.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Holden is home to several parks and nature reserves. The town’s natural features include the Quinapoxet River, Eagle Lake, and Holden Reservoir. The town also has several trails for hiking and biking, including the Mass Central Rail Trail and Trout Brook Conservation Area.
🏫 Education
Holden is served by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has several public schools, including Dawson Elementary School, Mayo Elementary School, Mountview Middle School, and Wachusett Regional High School. Holden also has a public library, the Gale Free Library.
🚧 Transportation
Holden is accessible via several major highways, including Route 122A, Route 31, and Interstate 190. The town is also served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, providing bus services to the surrounding areas. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 10 miles from the town center.
📜 Trivia & Events
Holden Days is an annual event held in August, featuring local businesses, entertainment, and food vendors. The town also hosts the annual Holden Road Race on Thanksgiving Day. A notable fact about Holden is that it was the hometown of Mary Jane Hawes, a 19th-century author known for her children’s books.