The Big List of Cities

Category: B

  • Buckland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Buckland is a charming town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the scenic Mohawk Trail region of the state. The town encompasses a total area of 19.9 square miles, of which 19.7 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. The Deerfield River, a major tributary of the Connecticut River, flows through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Buckland, Massachusetts are approximately 42°36′ North latitude and 72°47′ West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Buckland is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, despite its rural setting. The town is bordered by Charlemont to the north, Conway to the east, Ashfield to the southeast, and Shelburne to the west. The village of Shelburne Falls is located partly in Buckland and partly in the neighboring town of Shelburne.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 census, Buckland had a population of 1,902 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. The median age of residents is around 44 years, slightly higher than the state average.

    🏛️ History

    Buckland was first settled in 1742 as “No Town,” as it was not officially recognized as a town or village at the time. It was later incorporated as a district named Buckland in 1779, named after the Buckland Hills in England. The town’s early economy was primarily based on agriculture, but it later developed a robust manufacturing industry with mills powered by the Deerfield River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Buckland is known for its natural beauty, with the Deerfield River and surrounding forests offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The town is home to several parks and conservation areas, including the Buckland State Forest. The Mohawk Trail, a historic Native American trade route that is now a scenic byway, passes through the town.

    🏫 Education

    Buckland is part of the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, which serves several towns in the area. Buckland students attend Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School for grades K-6 and Mohawk Trail Regional High School for grades 7-12. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities in the nearby Springfield and Greenfield areas.

    🚧 Transportation

    Route 112, a north-south highway, is the primary road passing through Buckland. The town is also served by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, which provides public bus service to other towns in the county. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 60 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Buckland is home to the Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge now covered with a garden of flowers that attracts visitors from around the region. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Buckland Cultural Council Art Show and the Buckland Family Day.

  • Bernardston, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Bernardston is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, close to the New Hampshire border. The town is largely rural and is characterized by rolling hills, open fields, and a variety of waterways, including the Falls River and the Connecticut River.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Bernardston are approximately 42.67 degrees north latitude and 72.55 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Bernardston is part of the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, a region known for its rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and agricultural communities. The town covers an area of approximately 23.4 square miles, of which 0.04 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Bernardston had a population of 2,129. The population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Asian, or from other racial or ethnic backgrounds. The median age in Bernardston is around 45 years.

    🏛️ History

    Bernardston was first settled in 1738 and was officially incorporated in 1762. The town was named after Governor Francis Bernard, who was the British governor of Massachusetts in the late 18th century. The town has a rich agricultural history and was once a prominent center for the manufacture of mattocks and other agricultural tools.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Bernardston is home to several natural attractions. The Falls River runs through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and other water activities. The town is also close to the Connecticut River, which offers additional recreational opportunities. Bernardston is surrounded by a variety of woodlands and open spaces, making it a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Bernardston is administered by the Pioneer Valley Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Bernardston Elementary School. For secondary education, students typically attend Pioneer Valley Regional School, which is located in the nearby town of Northfield.

    🚧 Transportation

    Bernardston is served by several major highways, including Interstate 91 and U.S. Route 5. The town is also close to the Greenfield Amtrak station, which provides rail service to other parts of Massachusetts and the northeastern United States. Public transportation within the town is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Bernardston hosts the Gas Engine Show and Flea Market, an event that showcases antique engines and offers a variety of other attractions. The town is also known for its annual Scarecrow in the Park event, a fall festival that features a scarecrow contest, live music, and other family-friendly activities. Bernardston was also the birthplace of Ebenezer Sheldon, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War and one of the founders of the town of Sheldon, Vermont.

  • Berkshire, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Berkshire is a county located in the western part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is bordered by Vermont to the north, New York to the west, and Connecticut to the south. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, featuring the Taconic and Hoosac Ranges of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the Housatonic and Hoosic Rivers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Berkshire County, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3118° N latitude and 73.1822° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Berkshire County is part of the larger New England region in the northeastern United States. The county covers an area of approximately 946 square miles, making it the second-largest county in Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Berkshire County had a population of approximately 129,288 people. The population is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age in the county is around 44 years, slightly older than the state average.

    🏛️ History

    Berkshire County was established on April 21, 1761, from parts of Hampshire County. The county was named after the English county of Berkshire. The region was originally inhabited by the Mahican Native American tribe. During the 19th century, the county was known for its numerous mills and factories, playing a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Berkshire County is known for its natural beauty, featuring a mix of mountains, rivers, and forests. The county is home to part of the Appalachian Trail, a popular hiking route. The region also features several state parks and forests, including Mount Greylock State Reservation, the highest point in Massachusetts. The county’s environmental efforts include conservation of natural resources and promotion of eco-friendly practices.

    🏫 Education

    Berkshire County is served by several public school districts, including the Berkshire Hills and Pittsfield Public School Districts. The county also hosts several private schools and is home to higher education institutions such as Berkshire Community College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Williams College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Berkshire County is facilitated by a network of state and interstate highways, including Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike). The county is also served by the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), which provides public bus service. The Pittsfield Municipal Airport and Walter J. Koladza Airport provide air travel options.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Berkshire County is known for its cultural attractions, including the Tanglewood Music Center, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Norman Rockwell Museum. The county also hosts several annual events, such as the Berkshire International Film Festival and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The region is often referred to as “The Berkshires” and is a popular destination for tourists, particularly in the fall when the foliage is in full color.

  • Becket, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Becket is a picturesque town located in the Berkshire County of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the western part of the state, approximately 116 miles west of Boston and 14 miles east of Pittsfield. The town covers an area of 47.9 square miles, of which 46.3 square miles is land and 1.6 square miles is water. Becket is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the highest point being Walling Mountain at 2,155 feet above sea level.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Becket, Massachusetts, are approximately 42°20′35″N latitude and 73°04′37″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Becket is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is situated in the scenic Berkshire Hills region, known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. The town is surrounded by several other Berkshire towns including Washington to the north, Middlefield to the east, Otis to the south, and Lee and Lenox to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Becket had a population of 1,779 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 50 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, accounting for over 95% of the population, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Becket was first settled in 1740 and was officially incorporated in 1765. The town was named after Becket, England. In the 19th century, it was primarily an agricultural community, but it also had a thriving lumber industry due to its vast forests. In the 20th century, Becket became a popular destination for summer homes and camps, thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Becket is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is home to several lakes, including Center Pond and Yokum Pond, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Appalachian Trail, a famous long-distance hiking trail, passes through Becket, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over. The town is also home to the October Mountain State Forest, the largest state forest in Massachusetts, offering numerous recreational activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Becket is managed by the Central Berkshire Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Becket Washington School, serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students attend Nessacus Regional Middle School and Wahconah Regional High School, located in the nearby town of Dalton.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Becket is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 8 being the main highway passing through the town. The nearest airport is Pittsfield Municipal Airport, located about 20 miles west of Becket. For rail services, residents can access the Amtrak station in Pittsfield.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Becket is home to Jacob’s Pillow Dance, a treasured cultural institution that hosts a world-renowned summer dance festival. The town also hosts the annual Becket Arts Center Festival, showcasing local artists and craftspeople. Interestingly, Becket was the first town in Berkshire County to be wired for electricity in 1916.

  • Brimfield, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Brimfield is a charming town located in Hampden County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is nestled in the southern part of the state, about 20 miles east of Springfield. Brimfield covers a total area of 35.5 square miles, of which 34.8 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Brimfield are approximately 42.12° N latitude and 72.20° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Brimfield is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is surrounded by the towns of Sturbridge to the east, Warren to the north, Monson and Wales to the west, and Holland to the south.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Brimfield had a population of 3,609 residents. The demographic makeup of the town is predominantly white, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Brimfield is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Brimfield was first settled in 1721 and was officially incorporated in 1731. The town was named after Brimfield, England. Throughout its history, Brimfield has been primarily a farming community, but it also had a number of mills, tanneries, and other industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Brimfield is known for its rural setting and natural beauty. It is home to the Brimfield State Forest, a 3,526-acre forest that offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The town also has several streams and ponds, including the Quinebaug River and Dean Pond.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Brimfield is administered by the Tantasqua Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Brimfield Elementary School. For middle and high school, students attend Tantasqua Regional Junior High School and Tantasqua Regional High School, both located in the neighboring town of Sturbridge.

    🚧 Transportation

    Brimfield is served by U.S. Route 20 and Massachusetts Route 19. The town does not have a public transportation system or a train station, so residents primarily rely on private vehicles for transportation. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the east.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Brimfield is famous for the Brimfield Antique Show, one of the largest outdoor antique shows in the country. The show, held three times a year in May, July, and September, attracts thousands of dealers and buyers from around the world. The town is also home to the Brimfield Winery and Cidery, which offers tastings and events throughout the year.