📍 Location & Geography
Cummington is a small, rural town located in the western part of Massachusetts, in Hampshire County. It is situated in the Pioneer Valley, a region known for its fertile farmland and scenic landscapes. The town spans an area of approximately 23.0 square miles, of which 0.01 square miles is water. The Westfield River runs through the northern part of the town.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Cummington, Massachusetts are approximately 42.47 degrees north latitude and 72.90 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Cummington is located in the western region of Massachusetts, within the Pioneer Valley. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Plainfield to the north, Ashfield and Goshen to the east, Worthington to the south, and Windsor to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Cummington had a population of approximately 872 people. The town’s population is predominantly White, with small percentages of other races. The median age in the town is around 50 years, which is significantly higher than the state average.
🏛️ History
Cummington was first settled in 1762 and was officially incorporated in 1779. It was named after Colonel Cummings, a landowner from Ipswich who sponsored the settlement. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with some small-scale industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cummington was the birthplace of American poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant, and his childhood home is now a museum.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Cummington is known for its beautiful natural environment, including the Westfield River and several small brooks. The town is also home to a portion of the Bryant Mountain State Forest, which offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The town’s rural setting provides a peaceful, scenic backdrop for residents and visitors alike.
🏫 Education
Cummington is part of the Central Berkshire Regional School District. The town itself does not have its own public school; instead, students attend schools in nearby towns. For higher education, residents of Cummington have access to a number of colleges and universities in the surrounding area, including Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
🚧 Transportation
Cummington is accessible by Route 9, which runs east-west through the town. The town is also served by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which provides public transportation services throughout the region. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 50 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Cummington hosts the Cummington Fair, a traditional agricultural fair that has been held since 1883. The fair features livestock shows, exhibitions, and a variety of entertainment. The town is also known for the Cummington Community of the Arts, an artist colony that was established in the 1940s and continues to attract artists and writers from around the world.