The Big List of Cities

Category: G

  • Great Barrington, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Great Barrington is a town located in Berkshire County, in the southwestern part of the state of Massachusetts. It is nestled in the Housatonic River Valley, surrounded by the Berkshire Hills. The town covers a total area of 45.8 square miles, of which 44.8 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Great Barrington are approximately 42.1950° N latitude and 73.3620° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Great Barrington is part of the Pittsfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is divided into several villages and localities, including Housatonic, Van Deusenville, and Risingdale. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Housatonic River and East Mountain.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Great Barrington was 7,104. The town has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age of the residents is around 46 years.

    🏛️ History

    Great Barrington was first settled by Europeans in 1726 and was officially incorporated in 1761. The town was named after the village of Great Barrington in Gloucestershire, England. It played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and was the birthplace of W.E.B. Du Bois, an influential African-American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Great Barrington is surrounded by natural beauty. The Housatonic River flows through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The Berkshire Hills offer hiking and biking trails, and during the winter, the nearby Ski Butternut resort becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The town is also home to the Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest, a popular spot for bird watching and nature walks.

    🏫 Education

    Great Barrington is served by the Berkshire Hills Regional School District, which includes Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School, Monument Valley Regional Middle School, and Monument Mountain Regional High School. The town is also home to Simon’s Rock, a residential four-year college of Bard College, known for its early college entrance program.

    🚧 Transportation

    Great Barrington is accessible via U.S. Route 7, which runs north-south through the town. The town is also served by the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, which provides public bus service. The Walter J. Koladza Airport, a general aviation airport, is located in Great Barrington.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Great Barrington is known for its vibrant arts scene and hosts several events throughout the year, including the Great Barrington Arts Festival and the Berkshire International Film Festival. The town was also named the best small town in America by Smithsonian magazine in 2012. The W.E.B. Du Bois Boyhood Homesite, a National Historic Landmark, is located in Great Barrington.

  • Glendale, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Glendale is a small, unincorporated village located in the town of Stockbridge in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It is nestled in the southwestern part of the state, near the border of Connecticut and New York. The village is surrounded by the picturesque Berkshire Hills, with the Housatonic River flowing nearby.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Glendale, Massachusetts are approximately 42.28 degrees North latitude and 73.32 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Glendale is part of the New England region of the United States. It is situated in the rural and scenic Berkshires area, known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions. The village itself is small, covering a modest area within the town of Stockbridge.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As an unincorporated village within the town of Stockbridge, Glendale doesn’t have its own separate population count. However, the town of Stockbridge, as of the 2020 census, has a population of approximately 1,947 people. The demographics of Stockbridge, and by extension Glendale, are predominantly white, with a median age of around 58 years.

    🏛️ History

    Glendale was established as part of the town of Stockbridge, which has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Stockbridge was originally inhabited by the Mahican Native American tribe before being settled by missionaries in 1734. The village of Glendale itself is home to the historic Glendale Powerhouse, built in 1898, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Glendale is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkshire Hills. The Housatonic River, known for its recreational opportunities, flows nearby. The village is also close to several state forests and parks, including October Mountain State Forest and Beartown State Forest, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Glendale is managed by the Berkshire Hills Regional School District, which oversees the education of students in the towns of Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, and Great Barrington. The nearest schools to Glendale are Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School, Monument Valley Regional Middle School, and Monument Mountain Regional High School.

    🚧 Transportation

    Glendale is serviced by a number of state and local roads, including Massachusetts Route 183. The nearest interstate, I-90, is approximately 20 miles north of the village. The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation services in the area. The nearest airport is the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, located about 14 miles north of Glendale.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Glendale is home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art. The village also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show. Additionally, the Chesterwood Estate and Museum, the former home and studio of sculptor Daniel Chester French, is located just a short drive from Glendale.

  • Granville, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Granville is a charming town located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, and is characterized by its hilly terrain, lush forests, and numerous streams. Granville is bordered by Southwick to the east, Tolland to the west, Russell to the north, and Connecticut to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Granville, Massachusetts are approximately 42.0716° N latitude and 72.8610° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Granville is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It spans an area of approximately 43.0 square miles (111.3 km²), of which about 42.2 square miles (109.3 km²) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Granville was 1,566. The population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and African American. The median age in Granville is around 45 years, slightly higher than the state average.

    🏛️ History

    Granville was first settled by English colonists in 1736 and was officially incorporated in 1754. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with dairy farming being a significant industry. The Granville Country Store, which opened in 1790, is one of the oldest continuously operated country stores in the United States.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Granville is known for its beautiful natural environment, with several parks and forests offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Granville State Forest is a popular attraction, featuring a waterfall, camping sites, and trails. The town is also home to the Granville Gorge, a picturesque canyon carved by the Hubbard River.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Granville is managed by the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Granville Village School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 6. For secondary education, students attend Powder Mill School and Southwick Regional School in the neighboring town of Southwick.

    🚧 Transportation

    Granville is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by several state highways, including Route 57, which runs east-west through the town, and Route 189, which heads south towards Connecticut. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located approximately 20 miles south in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Granville hosts the Granville Harvest Fair, a beloved local tradition that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with crafts, food, music, and family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its production of maple syrup, with several sugarhouses offering tours and tastings during the sugaring season.

  • Granby, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Granby is a quaint town located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the western part of the state, nestled in the Pioneer Valley region. The town is approximately 13.8 square miles in size, with a small portion of it being water. Granby is surrounded by beautiful natural features, including the Holyoke Range to the west and the Connecticut River to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Granby, Massachusetts are approximately 42.26 degrees north latitude and 72.52 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Granby is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the Pioneer Valley area of Massachusetts, which is known for its fertile farmland and scenic landscapes. The town is bordered by South Hadley to the north, Ludlow to the east, Belchertown to the south, and Amherst to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Granby had a population of approximately 6,240 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.4 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Granby was first settled in 1727 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1768. The town was primarily an agricultural community in its early years, with dairy farming being a significant industry. Granby has maintained much of its rural charm while also developing into a residential community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Granby is home to a variety of natural attractions. The Mount Holyoke Range State Park offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The town also has several bodies of water, including Aldrich Lake and Batchelor Brook. The Dufresne Park Recreation Area is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnicking, fishing, and playing sports.

    🏫 Education

    The Granby Public School District serves the town’s students. It consists of two schools: West Street School for pre-kindergarten through third grade, and East Meadow School for fourth through sixth grade. High school students attend Granby Junior-Senior High School. For higher education, the nearby Five College Consortium, which includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, provides a wealth of opportunities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Granby is accessible by several major roads, including U.S. Route 202 and Massachusetts Route 116. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 30 miles away. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Granby is home to the Granby Charter Days, an annual event that celebrates the town’s incorporation in 1768. The festival features a parade, fireworks, live music, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its historic homes, some of which date back to the 18th century.

  • Goshen, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Goshen is a charming town located in the northwestern part of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest to the east and the Highland Lakes to the west. The terrain is hilly and heavily forested, with the majority of the land being used for agricultural purposes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Goshen, Massachusetts are approximately 42.4662° N latitude and 72.8003° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Goshen is part of the Pioneer Valley region, a section of the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts. The town spans a total area of 17.3 square miles (44.8 km²), of which 16.7 square miles (43.3 km²) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Goshen had a population of 1,054 residents. The population density was 63.1 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, and other races. The median age was 45 years, indicating a relatively mature population.

    🏛️ History

    Goshen was first settled in 1761 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1781. The town was primarily an agricultural community throughout its early history, with dairy farming being a significant industry. The town’s name is believed to have been chosen due to its biblical reference, as Goshen is mentioned in the Bible as a region of ancient Egypt.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Goshen is known for its scenic beauty and natural resources. The DAR State Forest, which borders the town, offers over 1,500 acres of forest, streams, and ponds, providing ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The Highland Lakes are another natural attraction, offering beautiful views and recreational activities such as boating and swimming.

    🏫 Education

    Goshen is part of the Gateway Regional School District, which includes several other towns in the area. Education is provided from kindergarten through high school, with the Gateway Regional High School serving the older students. The town is also within commuting distance of several colleges and universities, including Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

    🚧 Transportation

    Goshen is served by Route 9, which provides east-west transportation across the state. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 50 miles south of Goshen. Public transportation options are limited, with most residents relying on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Goshen hosts the Goshen Rocks festival, a popular local event featuring live music, food, and various outdoor activities. The town is also known for the Goshen Stone, a unique type of stone found in the area that’s used in construction and landscaping projects.