📍 Location & Geography
Ashland is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is positioned in the eastern part of the state, approximately 22 miles west of Boston. The town is bordered by Framingham to the east, Sherborn to the northeast, Holliston to the south, Hopkinton to the southwest, and Southborough to the west. The Sudbury River runs through the western part of Ashland.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Ashland, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2612° N latitude and 71.4634° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Ashland is part of the MetroWest region of Massachusetts, a collection of towns and cities located west of Boston. The town covers a total area of approximately 12.9 square miles, of which about 12.4 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Ashland has a population of approximately 18,000 residents. The town has a diverse population with a mix of different ethnicities. The median age of the residents is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Ashland was first settled in 1750 and was originally a part of neighboring towns Framingham, Holliston, and Hopkinton. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1846 and was named after statesman Henry Clay’s estate in Kentucky. Ashland was once a prominent player in the shoe manufacturing industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Ashland is home to the Ashland State Park, a 470-acre recreational area that features the Ashland Reservoir. The park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, as well as hiking and picnicking. The town is also part of the Charles River watershed, contributing to the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
🏫 Education
Ashland’s public school system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The town is also home to several private schools. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities, including Framingham State University and MassBay Community College.
🚧 Transportation
Ashland is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with a commuter rail station on its Framingham/Worcester Line, providing direct access to Boston. Major roads passing through the town include Route 135 and Interstate 495. The town is also within reasonable driving distance of Logan International Airport in Boston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Ashland is known as the site of Henry Warren’s invention of the electric clock, which he developed in his Ashland home. The town holds an annual event called Ashland Day, a community celebration featuring food, music, and various activities. Ashland is also the original starting point of the Boston Marathon, which began in the town in 1897 and continued to start there until the route was lengthened in 1924.