The Big List of Cities

Category: C

  • Colrain, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Colrain is a town located in Franklin County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the northeastern part of the county, bordered by the towns of Heath and Charlemont to the north, Leyden to the east, Greenfield to the southeast, and Shelburne to the south. The western border of Colrain is formed by the Deerfield River, which separates it from the town of Buckland.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Colrain, Massachusetts are approximately 42.6736° N latitude and 72.7256° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Colrain is part of the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, which is known for its rich history and scenic beauty. The town covers a total area of about 43.4 square miles (112.4 km²), of which 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) or 0.16% is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Colrain was approximately 1,671. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Colrain was first settled in 1735 by a group of Irish immigrants and was officially incorporated as a town in 1761. It was named in honor of Lord Coleraine, an Irish peer. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with sheep farming being a major industry in the 19th century. The town also had a notable role in the Underground Railroad, with several documented sites where fugitive slaves were sheltered.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Colrain is known for its beautiful landscapes, which include rolling hills, forests, and the scenic Deerfield River. The town is home to the Catamount State Forest, which offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The town also has several conservation areas, including the Branch Hill and Lyons Hill conservation areas.

    🏫 Education

    Public education in Colrain is managed by the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. The town is home to the Colrain Central School, which serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students typically attend Mohawk Trail Regional High School, located in the nearby town of Buckland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Colrain is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 112 serving as the main thoroughfare through the town. The nearest airport is Dillant–Hopkins Airport in Keene, New Hampshire, approximately 40 miles away. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation services in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Colrain hosts a town-wide yard sale, which is a popular event attracting visitors from all over the region. The town is also known for the Colrain Poetry Festival, which brings together poets and poetry enthusiasts for readings, workshops, and discussions. In addition, Colrain is home to the Griswold Memorial Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Charlemont, Massachusetts

    📍 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”.

  • Cheshire, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Cheshire is a town located in Berkshire County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the picturesque Berkshire Hills, in the western part of the state. The town covers a total area of 27.4 square miles, of which 26.9 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. Cheshire Reservoir, also known as Hoosac Lake, is a significant body of water in the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Cheshire, Massachusetts are approximately 42.56° N latitude and 73.16° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Cheshire is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is bordered by New Ashford and Adams to the north, Savoy and Windsor to the east, Dalton and Lanesborough to the south, and New York to the west. The town is located about 135 miles west of Boston and about 35 miles east of Albany, New York.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 U.S. Census, the town of Cheshire had a population of approximately 3,235 residents. The town’s population is predominantly Caucasian, with small percentages of African American, Asian, and other races. The median age of the residents is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Cheshire was first settled in 1766 and was officially incorporated in 1793. The town was named after the county of Cheshire in England. Cheshire is historically known for its dairy farms and for the Cheshire Cheese, which was once presented to President Thomas Jefferson. The town was also home to the Cheshire Cobbler, a shoemaking industry, in the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Cheshire is known for its scenic beauty, with its location in the Berkshire Hills providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Appalachian Trail, a famous hiking trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, passes through the town. The Cheshire Reservoir and the surrounding Berkshire Hills provide habitats for a variety of wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Cheshire is managed by the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. The town is home to Hoosac Valley Elementary School and Hoosac Valley High School. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby cities, with Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield and Williams College in Williamstown.

    🚧 Transportation

    Cheshire is served by Route 8, which is the main road passing through the town, connecting it to other parts of Berkshire County. The nearest airport is Pittsfield Municipal Airport, located about 12 miles south of the town. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation services in the region.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Cheshire is known for the Cheshire Cheese Monument, a stone monument that commemorates the mammoth cheese wheel made in the town and presented to President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Cheshire Cheese Festival and the Cheshire Fire Department’s Summerfest.

  • Cummington, Massachusetts

    📍 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.

  • Chicopee, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Chicopee is a city located in Hampden County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the Pioneer Valley, near the Connecticut River, and is surrounded by the communities of Springfield, Holyoke, Ludlow, Granby, and South Hadley. Its geographical features include the Chicopee River, which flows through the city and has been a significant factor in its development.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The coordinates for Chicopee, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1487° N latitude and 72.6079° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Chicopee is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city spans an area of 23.9 square miles, of which 22.9 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile is water. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Chicopee Center, Chicopee Falls, Willimansett, Fairview, Aldenville, Burnett Road, and Westover.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Chicopee has a population of approximately 55,126 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of races and ethnicities. The majority of the population is White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the city is around 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Chicopee’s history dates back to the 17th century when it was part of Springfield. It was first settled in 1640 and was officially incorporated as a separate city in 1848. The city played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution, with industries like textiles, paper making, and manufacturing thriving due to the power provided by the Chicopee River. The city is also home to Westover Air Reserve Base, one of the largest Air Force Reserve bases in the country.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Chicopee is known for its natural beauty, with several parks and green spaces. The Chicopee Memorial State Park offers recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and hiking. The city is also home to the Szot Park and the Chicopee River Canal Rail Trail. The city’s commitment to the environment is evident in its recycling programs and initiatives to reduce energy consumption.

    🏫 Education

    Chicopee’s public education system is managed by the Chicopee Public Schools district, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to Chicopee Comprehensive High School and Chicopee High School. For higher education, Elms College, a private Catholic liberal arts college, is located in Chicopee.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Chicopee is facilitated by several major highways including Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Interstate 391, and U.S. Route 33. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority provides public bus service in the city. The nearest airport is the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 30 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Chicopee hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Chicopee Downtown Get Down, a summer street festival featuring live music, food, and family activities. The city is also known for the Great New England Air Show, one of the largest air shows in the Northeast, held at the Westover Air Reserve Base. An interesting fact about Chicopee is that it was where the first commercially successful friction match was made in the United States.