The Big List of Cities

Author: dangreen.com

  • Holden, Massachusetts

    📍 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.

  • Grafton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Grafton is a charming town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, approximately 35 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 23.3 square miles, of which 22.9 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water. The town is surrounded by the communities of Shrewsbury, Upton, Northbridge, Sutton, Millbury, and Westborough.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Grafton, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2070° N latitude and 71.6856° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Grafton is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated in the Blackstone Valley, a region with a rich industrial history. The town falls under the Worcester metropolitan area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Grafton is estimated to be around 18,000. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age in Grafton is approximately 40 years. The town is home to a large number of families, with many residents working in professional, sales, and management occupations.

    🏛️ History

    Grafton was first settled by Europeans in 1727 and was officially incorporated in 1735. The town was named after Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton, a title that was created for the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England. Grafton played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution with its numerous mills powered by the Blackstone River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Grafton offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities with its numerous parks, trails, and water bodies. The town is home to the Grafton Land Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Grafton’s natural habitats. The town is also part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that celebrates the area’s unique cultural and natural history.

    🏫 Education

    Grafton is served by the Grafton Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Grafton High School. The town is also home to the private Grafton Country Day School. For higher education, Grafton houses the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, which is one of the top veterinary schools in the country.

    🚧 Transportation

    Grafton is well-connected by road and rail. The Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) passes through the southern part of the town, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the Grafton MBTA station, which offers commuter rail service to Boston. Additionally, several local and regional bus services operate in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Grafton hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Grafton Farmers Market and the Grafton History Day. The town is also known for the Willard House and Clock Museum, which showcases the history of clock making in the region. Grafton was the backdrop for the 2014 movie, “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.

  • Fiskdale, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Fiskdale is a charming village located in the town of Sturbridge, in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the south-central part of the state, close to the Connecticut border. The village is nestled in a region characterized by a mix of rolling hills, forests, and water bodies, including the Quinebaug River and Walker Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Fiskdale are approximately 42.1084° N latitude and 72.1084° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Fiskdale is part of the larger Worcester County, which is located in the central part of the state of Massachusetts. It is one of the villages within the town of Sturbridge. The area of Fiskdale, although not officially defined, is relatively small as it is a village, but it is an integral part of the larger Sturbridge area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village, Fiskdale does not have a separate population count. It is considered part of the town of Sturbridge, which has a population of approximately 9,268 according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 estimate. The demographics of the area reflect a predominantly white population, with a smaller percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Fiskdale, like the rest of Sturbridge, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The town of Sturbridge was first settled by Europeans in 1729 and was officially incorporated in 1738. The village of Fiskdale developed as a part of this larger community. Many historical buildings and sites in the area reflect this long history, including the Old Sturbridge Village, a living museum that recreates rural life in the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Fiskdale is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks, forests, and bodies of water nearby. The Quinebaug River flows through the area, offering opportunities for fishing and boating. Walker Pond is another notable natural feature in the area. The village is also a short distance from Wells State Park, a popular spot for camping, hiking, and picnicking.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Fiskdale is served by the Tantasqua Regional School District, which includes Burgess Elementary School, Tantasqua Junior High School, and Tantasqua High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and high-quality faculty.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Fiskdale primarily revolves around road travel, with easy access to major highways including Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) and U.S. Route 20. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 30 miles north of Fiskdale.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Fiskdale is home to the annual Harvest Festival, a popular event that celebrates the fall season with food, crafts, live music, and family-friendly activities. The village is also known for its proximity to Old Sturbridge Village, one of the country’s oldest and largest living history museums, which hosts a variety of events and historical reenactments throughout the year.

  • East Princeton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    East Princeton is a charming village located in the town of Princeton, within Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The village is nestled in the central part of the state, offering a mix of suburban and rural living. It is characterized by rolling hills, lush greenery, and a variety of scenic landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of East Princeton, Massachusetts are approximately 42.45° N latitude and 71.88° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    East Princeton is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is situated in the central part of Massachusetts, in the eastern section of the town of Princeton. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of farmland and forested areas.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As East Princeton is a village within the town of Princeton, it does not have a separate population count. However, the town of Princeton, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, had a population of approximately 3,413 as of 2010. The demographics of the area reflect a predominantly white population, with a mix of other races. The median age in the town is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    East Princeton, as part of the town of Princeton, shares its rich history. The area was first settled in 1720 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1759. The town was named after the Rev. Thomas Prince, a minister of the Old South Church in Boston and one of the proprietors of the town. The area has a deep-rooted history in agriculture, with many of the original farmhouses still standing today.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    The village of East Princeton is surrounded by natural beauty, with a number of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is nearby, offering hiking, skiing, and stunning views of the surrounding area. The village is also home to a variety of wildlife, with opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.

    🏫 Education

    Education in East Princeton is managed by the Wachusett Regional School District, which serves the town of Princeton and several other surrounding communities. The district offers a range of educational opportunities for students from kindergarten through high school. Thomas Prince School is the local elementary and middle school in the town of Princeton.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in East Princeton primarily consists of car travel, with easy access to several major highways including Massachusetts Route 140 and Route 31. The village is also reasonably close to Worcester Regional Airport for those requiring air travel. Public transportation options are limited, but the Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides bus service to nearby areas.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    East Princeton, though small, hosts a number of community events and activities throughout the year. One of the most popular is the annual Princeton Town Day, a community celebration featuring food, music, and local vendors. Additionally, the village is known for its proximity to Wachusett Mountain, which hosts a variety of events and activities year-round, including the popular Wachusett Mountain Music Festival.

  • Douglas, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Douglas, Massachusetts is a charming town located in the south-central part of the state. It is nestled in Worcester County and is bordered by the towns of Uxbridge, Sutton, Oxford, Webster, and Dudley in Massachusetts, as well as the state of Rhode Island to the south. The town encompasses a total area of approximately 37.6 square miles, 0.9 square miles of which is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Douglas, Massachusetts are approximately 42.05 degrees north latitude and 71.73 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Douglas is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that has a significant influence on the American Industrial Revolution. The town is predominantly rural with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several bodies of water, including the Mumford River and Whitins Reservoir.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Douglas had a population of approximately 8,500 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of around 40 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with minorities including African American, Asian, Hispanic, and others.

    🏛️ History

    Douglas was first settled in 1715 and was officially incorporated in 1775. The town was named after Dr. William Douglas, an eminent physician from Boston who provided funds for the establishment of free schools in the town. The town played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution, with the Douglas Axe Company operating in the town from 1817 until the 1920s.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Douglas is home to several parks and conservation areas that offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Douglas State Forest, a 5,525-acre forest, is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and boating. Wallum Lake, located in the state forest, is a beautiful spot for swimming and picnicking. The town also has several trails, including the Southern New England Trunkline Trail and the Midstate Trail.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Douglas is managed by the Douglas Public Schools district, which operates an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The town is also in proximity to several colleges and universities, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University in Worcester.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Douglas is primarily by car, with several state routes passing through the town, including Route 16 and Route 96. The town is also located near Interstate 395. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 25 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Douglas hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Douglas Octoberfest, which features food, music, and family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the Douglas Flea Market, a popular destination for antique and collectible enthusiasts. A fun fact about Douglas is that it was once home to the Douglas Axe Company, which at its peak was one of the largest axe manufacturers in the world.