📍 Location & Geography
Belchertown is a town located in Hampshire County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the Pioneer Valley and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of 55.4 square miles, of which 52.7 square miles is land and 2.7 square miles is water. It is surrounded by the towns of Pelham, Amherst, Granby, Palmer, Ware, and Ludlow.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Belchertown, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2751° N latitude and 72.4010° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Belchertown is located in the western part of Massachusetts, in the New England region of the United States. It is part of Hampshire County and is the sixth largest municipality in the state in terms of land area. The town is characterized by a mix of residential, agricultural, and conservation lands.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Belchertown was approximately 15,300. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of families and a strong presence of young professionals. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a smaller percentage of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Belchertown was first settled in 1731 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1761. It was originally part of the Equivalent Lands, a large tract of land sold by Connecticut Colony to a group of investors in 1716. The town was named after Jonathan Belcher, a colonial governor of Massachusetts. Belchertown’s growth was initially slow due to its inland location, but it eventually developed into a thriving agricultural community.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Belchertown is known for its scenic beauty and natural resources. It is home to part of the Quabbin Reservoir, the largest man-made reservoir in the state, which supplies water to Boston and other eastern Massachusetts communities. The town also has several conservation areas, including the Jabish Canal and the Swift River Reservation, offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Belchertown is managed by the Belchertown Public School District, which includes an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The town is also in proximity to several colleges and universities, including Amherst College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Mount Holyoke College.
🚧 Transportation
Belchertown is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 202 and State Route 21. The town is also accessible via the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) bus service. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is about 40 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Belchertown hosts the annual Belchertown Fair in late September, a tradition that dates back to 1920. The fair features agricultural exhibits, craft booths, live music, and a parade. The town is also known for the Stone House Museum, a historical museum located in a stone house built in 1827, which offers exhibits on the town’s history and culture.