📍 Location & Geography
Ashfield is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Franklin County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the western part of the state, approximately 105 miles west of Boston. The town covers a total area of 40.3 square miles, of which 40.0 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The town is mostly hilly and wooded, with the highest point being at Spruce Corner, where the elevation reaches 2,013 feet above sea level.
🌎 Coordinates
Ashfield is located at 42°31′24″N 72°47′49″W. The town is nestled in the western part of Massachusetts and is part of the New England region of the United States.
🗺️ Region & Area
Ashfield is part of the Pioneer Valley region, also known as the Connecticut River Valley. It is surrounded by several towns including Conway to the south, Buckland to the east, Hawley to the north, and Plainfield to the west. The town is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Ashfield had a population of 1,737 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or other races. The median age in Ashfield is around 50 years, which is significantly higher than the national average.
🏛️ History
Ashfield was first settled in 1743 and was officially incorporated in 1765. The town was originally named “Huntstown” in 1736, but was renamed Ashfield in 1765 in honor of Lord Ashfield, the British Secretary of State. Ashfield played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with several homes serving as stations.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Ashfield is known for its scenic beauty and rural charm. The town is home to several bodies of water including Ashfield Lake and the Ashfield Pond. The town also boasts several parks and nature reserves, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest. The Ashfield Fall Festival, held annually in October, celebrates the town’s natural beauty with a variety of outdoor activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Ashfield is managed by the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Sanderson Academy, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students attend Mohawk Trail Regional High School located in the nearby town of Buckland.
🚧 Transportation
Ashfield is primarily served by state routes 112 and 116, which provide access to nearby towns and cities. The town is approximately 45 minutes from the city of Northampton and about an hour from Springfield. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about an hour and a half drive from Ashfield.
📜 Trivia & Events
Ashfield is the birthplace of prominent abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Sojourner Truth. Every year, the town hosts the Ashfield Fall Festival, a popular event that features crafts, food, music, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The town is also known for the Double Edge Theatre, an internationally recognized theater company that offers performances and workshops.