📍 Location & Geography
Charlton is a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 50 miles west of Boston. The town covers a total area of 43.8 square miles, of which 43.1 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. The landscape of Charlton is characterized by rolling hills, open fields, and a number of lakes and ponds.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Charlton, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1357° N latitude and 71.9701° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Charlton is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the southern part of Worcester County and is bordered by the towns of Oxford to the east, Leicester and Spencer to the north, Sturbridge to the west, and Dudley and Southbridge to the south.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Charlton had a population of 12,981. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being families with children. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Charlton was first settled in 1735 and was officially incorporated in 1775. The town was named after Sir Francis Charlton, an Englishman who had been instrumental in obtaining the town’s charter. Charlton’s early economy was largely agricultural, but it also had a significant industrial presence with numerous mills along its waterways.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Charlton is home to a number of parks and nature reserves, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Buffumville Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing, is located in the town. The Charlton State Forest and the Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary are other notable natural attractions in the area.
🏫 Education
Charlton is served by the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District, which includes Heritage School, Charlton Elementary School, Charlton Middle School, and Shepherd Hill Regional High School. Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School is also located in Charlton, offering vocational and technical education to students in the region.
🚧 Transportation
Charlton is conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Route 20, and Route 169. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation services in the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 20 miles north of Charlton.
📜 Trivia & Events
Charlton is known for its annual Old Home Day, a community event that features a parade, live music, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the Charlton Orchards, a popular destination for apple picking and wine tasting. In addition, Charlton was the location of the Overlook Masonic Health Center, where the world’s first successful human organ transplant (a kidney) was performed in 1954.