📍 Location & Geography
Georgetown is a charming town located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 30 miles north of Boston. The town covers a total area of 13.2 square miles, of which 12.9 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. Georgetown is characterized by its rolling hills, wetlands, and forests.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Georgetown, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.72 degrees North latitude and 70.98 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Georgetown is part of the Greater Boston area, which is the largest metropolitan area in New England. The town is bordered by Groveland to the north, Newbury to the northeast, Rowley to the east, Boxford to the south, and North Andover to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Georgetown was approximately 8,600 residents. The town has a predominantly Caucasian population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or other races. The median age of residents is around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Georgetown was first settled in 1639 as a part of the town of Rowley. The area that is now Georgetown was known as Rowley’s new plantation or simply “New Rowley.” It was officially incorporated as its own town on April 21, 1838. The town was named after King George III of England. Throughout the 19th century, Georgetown was a thriving industrial town known for its shoe factories.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Georgetown is known for its beautiful natural environment, which includes the Baldpate Pond State Park, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking. The town is also home to the Georgetown-Rowley State Forest, which offers additional recreational opportunities. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has several conservation areas.
🏫 Education
Education in Georgetown is managed by the Georgetown Public School District, which includes Penn Brook Elementary School, Georgetown Middle School, and Georgetown High School. The town also has a private school, Perley Free School. For higher education, residents have access to many colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Georgetown is conveniently located near Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of Massachusetts. The town does not have its own public transit system, but residents can use the nearby MBTA commuter rail stations in Newburyport and Haverhill for public transportation. The closest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, which is about 35 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Georgetown hosts a variety of community events, including the Georgetown Days summer celebration and the Fall Street Fair. An interesting piece of trivia is that Georgetown was once home to the famous Brocklebank-Nelson-Beecher House, a historic house that was reportedly a stop on the Underground Railroad.