📍 Location & Geography
Charlemont is a town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated along the scenic Mohawk Trail, a historic Native American trade route that has been converted into a state highway. The town is nestled in the eastern part of the county and is bordered by the towns of Rowe, Heath, Buckland, Hawley, Savoy, Florida, and Adams. The Deerfield River, a major tributary of the Connecticut River, runs through Charlemont, creating a picturesque landscape.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Charlemont, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.63 degrees North latitude and 72.88 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Charlemont is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It spans an area of about 26.4 square miles, of which nearly 0.1 square miles is water. The town is largely rural, with a mix of rolling hills, forests, and farmland.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Charlemont has a population of approximately 1,300 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, or from other racial or ethnic groups. The median age in Charlemont is around 45 years, slightly higher than the state average.
🏛️ History
Charlemont was first settled in 1743 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1765. It was named after the town of Charlemont in Northern Ireland. During the 19th century, the town was primarily an agricultural community, with some small-scale manufacturing. Today, Charlemont is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and its role as a gateway to the Mohawk Trail.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Charlemont is blessed with a rich natural environment, with the Deerfield River and the surrounding Berkshire Hills offering numerous outdoor activities. The town is home to several state forests, including the Mohawk Trail State Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. In the winter, the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont offers skiing and snowboarding.
🏫 Education
Education in Charlemont is administered by the Hawlemont Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Hawlemont Regional Elementary School. For secondary education, students typically attend Mohawk Trail Regional High School located in the nearby town of Buckland.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Charlemont is primarily by car, with State Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, serving as the main thoroughfare. The town is also served by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service to other towns in the county. The nearest airport is Albany International Airport in New York, about 70 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Charlemont hosts several events throughout the year, including the Charlemont Reggae Festival and the Deerfield River Festival. The town is also home to the Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge that has been converted into a pedestrian walkway and garden. Additionally, Charlemont was the filming location for some scenes in the 1987 film “The Witches of Eastwick”.