📍 Location & Geography
Acushnet is a charming town located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state. The town is bounded by the city of New Bedford to the south and west, the town of Fairhaven to the south, and the towns of Freetown and Rochester to the north. The Acushnet River runs through the town, providing a beautiful natural landscape.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Acushnet, Massachusetts are approximately 41.68 degrees North latitude and 70.91 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Acushnet is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of 19.0 square miles, of which 18.4 square miles is land and 0.62 square miles, or 3.27%, is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Acushnet was approximately 10,303. The town is predominantly White, with a significant Portuguese community. The median age in the town is around 44 years. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females.
🏛️ History
The area now known as Acushnet was originally settled by the Wampanoag tribe. The name “Acushnet” comes from the Wampanoag term “Cushnea,” meaning “peaceful resting place near water.” The town was first settled by Europeans in 1659 and was officially incorporated in 1860. It was primarily an agricultural and fishing community, but also had a notable shipbuilding industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Acushnet is home to several parks and open spaces, including the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course, Pope Park, and the Acushnet Sawmill Park. The Acushnet River, which runs through the town, is a significant natural feature and provides opportunities for fishing and boating. The town is also known for its apple orchards and cranberry bogs.
🏫 Education
Education in Acushnet is managed by the Acushnet Public Schools district. The district operates the Acushnet Elementary School and the Albert F. Ford Middle School. High school students typically attend Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester or New Bedford High School in New Bedford.
🚧 Transportation
Acushnet is served by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 105 and Massachusetts Route 18. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, located about 5 miles south of the town. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus routes in Acushnet and surrounding communities.
📜 Trivia & Events
Acushnet is known for its annual Apple-Peach Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with food, music, and crafts. The town is also home to the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course, a public 18-hole golf course that is highly rated in the region. Additionally, Acushnet is the original home of the Titleist golf equipment and apparel company.