📍 Location & Geography
Chelmsford is a town located in Middlesex County, in the northeastern part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is approximately 24 miles northwest of Boston and 40 miles northeast of Worcester. The town covers an area of 22.54 square miles, of which 22.22 square miles is land and 0.32 square miles is water. Chelmsford is bordered by the towns of Lowell to the north, Billerica to the east, Carlisle to the south, and Westford to the west.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.5998° N latitude and 71.3673° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Chelmsford is part of the Greater Lowell region and is also considered part of the Merrimack Valley area. The town is divided into several neighborhoods, including the town center, West Chelmsford, East Chelmsford, South Chelmsford, and North Chelmsford.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Chelmsford was approximately 35,000. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a significant minority of Asian residents. Other ethnic groups, including African Americans and Hispanics, make up smaller percentages of the population. The median age in the town is around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Chelmsford was incorporated in May 1655 and was named after Chelmsford, England. The area was originally inhabited by the Pennacook Native Americans. During the 19th century, Chelmsford experienced significant growth due to the establishment of several mills along the Merrimack River and Stony Brook. The town’s historic sites include the Chelmsford Garrison House, a 1691 homestead, and the Barrett-Byam Homestead, the headquarters of the Chelmsford Historical Society.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Chelmsford is home to several parks and conservation areas, including the Great Brook Farm State Park, which offers hiking trails, a working dairy farm, and cross-country skiing. The town also has several smaller community parks and playgrounds. The Merrimack River and Stony Brook run through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.
🏫 Education
Chelmsford Public Schools oversees the town’s public education system, which includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and Chelmsford High School. The town also has several private schools, including the Chelmsford Montessori School. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Middlesex Community College.
🚧 Transportation
Chelmsford is served by several major highways, including Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 3. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest train service is available in Lowell, which offers commuter rail service to Boston. The closest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, approximately 35 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Chelmsford hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Fourth of July Parade and the Summer Concert Series at the town common. The town was also the site of a notable event in the early history of the telephone: in 1878, French’s Mill, located in North Chelmsford, became one of the first businesses in the world to use a telephone in its daily operations.