The Big List of Cities

Category: G

  • Grafton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Grafton is a charming town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, approximately 35 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 23.3 square miles, of which 22.9 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water. The town is surrounded by the communities of Shrewsbury, Upton, Northbridge, Sutton, Millbury, and Westborough.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Grafton, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2070° N latitude and 71.6856° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Grafton is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated in the Blackstone Valley, a region with a rich industrial history. The town falls under the Worcester metropolitan area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Grafton is estimated to be around 18,000. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age in Grafton is approximately 40 years. The town is home to a large number of families, with many residents working in professional, sales, and management occupations.

    🏛️ History

    Grafton was first settled by Europeans in 1727 and was officially incorporated in 1735. The town was named after Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton, a title that was created for the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England. Grafton played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution with its numerous mills powered by the Blackstone River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Grafton offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities with its numerous parks, trails, and water bodies. The town is home to the Grafton Land Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Grafton’s natural habitats. The town is also part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, a region that celebrates the area’s unique cultural and natural history.

    🏫 Education

    Grafton is served by the Grafton Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Grafton High School. The town is also home to the private Grafton Country Day School. For higher education, Grafton houses the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, which is one of the top veterinary schools in the country.

    🚧 Transportation

    Grafton is well-connected by road and rail. The Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) passes through the southern part of the town, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the Grafton MBTA station, which offers commuter rail service to Boston. Additionally, several local and regional bus services operate in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Grafton hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Grafton Farmers Market and the Grafton History Day. The town is also known for the Willard House and Clock Museum, which showcases the history of clock making in the region. Grafton was the backdrop for the 2014 movie, “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.

  • Groton, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Groton is a charming town located in the northwestern part of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the Nashoba Valley region, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. The town is bordered by Pepperell to the north, Dunstable to the west, Tyngsborough and Westford to the east, and Littleton and Ayer to the south. The Nashua River and Squannacook River run through the town, providing beautiful natural landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Groton are approximately 42.61 degrees north latitude and 71.57 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Groton is part of the Greater Lowell region and belongs to Middlesex County. The town covers a total area of approximately 33.7 square miles (87.3 square kilometers), of which 32.8 square miles (84.9 square kilometers) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 square kilometers) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 Census, the population of Groton is approximately 11,500. The town exhibits a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being families. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with minorities including Asian, African American, and Hispanic residents.

    🏛️ History

    Groton was officially established in 1655 and was named after a town in Suffolk, England. The town was initially an agricultural community, but it grew and developed over the centuries. Groton has a rich history, with several historical landmarks such as the Groton Inn, which is one of the oldest inns in the United States, and the Old Burying Ground, which dates back to the 17th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Groton is known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. The town is home to several conservation lands, including the J. Harry Rich State Forest and the Sabine Woods. The Nashua and Squannacook Rivers provide opportunities for boating and fishing. Groton also has numerous walking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

    🏫 Education

    Groton has a strong commitment to education. The town is served by the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, which includes Florence Roche Elementary School, Swallow Union Elementary School, Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School, and Groton-Dunstable Regional High School. The town is also home to the prestigious Groton School, a private, college-preparatory boarding school.

    🚧 Transportation

    Groton is conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 3, providing easy access to Boston and other neighboring cities. The town is also served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail service, with the nearest station located in Ayer. For air travel, the closest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, which is approximately 50 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Groton is known for its annual Grotonfest, a popular community event that features local artisans, businesses, and food vendors. The town also hosts the Groton Road Race every spring, attracting runners from all over the region. An interesting piece of trivia is that Groton was the birthplace of William Prescott, a notable American colonel in the Revolutionary War.

  • Gardner, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Gardner is a city located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northern-central part of the state, approximately 30 miles north of Worcester and 60 miles west of Boston. The city covers a total area of 23.8 square miles, of which 22.2 square miles is land and 1.6 square miles is water. The city is known for its hilly terrain, with several ponds, streams, and the Otter River flowing through it.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Gardner, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5751° N latitude and 71.9981° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Gardner is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is the second-largest city in Worcester County and is part of the Fitchburg-Leominster-Gardner Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Gardner was approximately 20,683. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The largest age group is 25 to 44 years old, making up about 28% of the population. The gender distribution is fairly equal, with a slight female majority.

    🏛️ History

    Gardner was first settled in 1764 and officially incorporated as a town in 1785. It was named in honor of Col. Thomas Gardner, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The city gained fame in the 19th century as a major center for furniture manufacturing, earning it the nickname “Chair City.” Gardner was incorporated as a city in 1923.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Gardner is known for its scenic beauty, with numerous parks, ponds, and forests. The city is home to Dunn State Park, which offers hiking trails, a pond for swimming and fishing, and picnic areas. The Otter River State Forest, located just outside the city, is another popular destination for outdoor activities. The city is also part of the larger North Quabbin Bioreserve, a protected area of forests, wetlands, and water bodies.

    🏫 Education

    Gardner is served by the Gardner Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Gardner High School. The city is also home to Mount Wachusett Community College, a two-year public college offering a variety of degree and certificate programs.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Gardner is primarily by car, with several major highways including Route 2 and Route 140 passing through the city. The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the city and surrounding areas. The nearest airport is Fitchburg Municipal Airport, about 15 miles away, while Boston Logan International Airport is approximately 60 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Gardner hosts several annual events, including the Gardner Winter Music Festival and the Gardner Ale House Oktoberfest. The city is also known for its large chair sculpture, a nod to its history as a furniture manufacturing center. The “Giant Chair” is a popular tourist attraction and symbol of the city.

  • Gill, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Gill is a town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern region of the state and is bordered by the Connecticut River to the east. The town encompasses a total area of about 14.7 square miles, of which 13.5 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water. Gill’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and scenic river landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Gill, Massachusetts are approximately 42.6491° N latitude and 72.4847° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Gill falls within the New England region of the United States. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is surrounded by several other towns, including Bernardston to the north, Erving to the east, Montague to the south, and Greenfield to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Gill had a population of approximately 1,500 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Gill is around 45 years, which is slightly higher than the state average.

    🏛️ History

    The town of Gill was first settled in 1776 and was officially incorporated in 1793. It was named in honor of Moses Gill, a lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. The town’s history is deeply rooted in agriculture, with dairy farming being a significant part of its economic development. The historic French King Bridge, which connects Gill and Erving across the Connecticut River, is a notable landmark in the town.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Gill is known for its beautiful natural environment. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Barton Cove, a popular spot for bird watching, camping, and boating. The Connecticut River offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The town is also part of the Connecticut River Greenway State Park, which provides trails for hiking and biking.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Gill is managed by the Gill-Montague Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Gill Elementary School. Middle and high school students typically attend the Great Falls Middle School and the Turners Falls High School, both located in the nearby town of Montague.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Gill is primarily by road. The town is served by Massachusetts Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, which is a major east-west route in the state. The French King Bridge provides a crossing over the Connecticut River. Public transportation is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus services in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Gill celebrates its history and community with the Gill Fall Festival, which features a parade, crafts, food, and live music. Another notable event is the annual Barton Cove Eagle Watch, where residents and visitors gather to observe the wintering bald eagles. The town is also home to the Northfield Mount Hermon School, a prestigious private boarding school.

  • Greenfield, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Greenfield is a city located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the Pioneer Valley in the western part of the state. The city is bordered by the towns of Montague to the north, Deerfield to the east, and Shelburne to the west. Green River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, runs through the city, contributing to its lush green landscape.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Greenfield, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5876° N latitude and 72.6009° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Greenfield is the county seat of Franklin County and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city spans a total area of about 22 square miles (57 km²), of which, 21.9 square miles (56.6 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Greenfield has a population of approximately 17,500 people. The city has a diverse demographic with a mix of different age groups and ethnicities. The median age is around 40 years. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, followed by Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Greenfield was first settled in 1686 and was officially incorporated as a city in 1753. It was named for the Green River, which runs through it. The city’s economy initially thrived on agriculture, but with the advent of the railway system in the 19th century, it became a bustling trade and manufacturing hub. The city’s rich history is preserved in numerous historic sites and buildings, including the Greenfield Energy Park and the Weldon House.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Greenfield is known for its beautiful natural environment, with the Connecticut River and the Green River providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The city is home to several parks, including the Green River Park and the Highland Park. The city is also close to the Mohawk Trail State Forest, offering residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Greenfield provides quality education through its public and private schools. The Greenfield School District operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Greenfield High School. The city is also home to Greenfield Community College, which offers a variety of degree programs.

    🚧 Transportation

    Greenfield is served by Interstate 91, which provides north-south travel through the city. The city also has a station on the Amtrak’s Vermonter line, offering rail service to other parts of the state and beyond. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority operates public bus service in the city. The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about an hour’s drive from Greenfield.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Greenfield hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Green River Festival, a popular music and hot air balloon festival. The city is also home to the Franklin County Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the country. A fun fact about Greenfield is that it is known as the “Copper City” due to its history as a center for the copper industry in the 19th century.