The Big List of Cities

Category: G

  • 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.

  • 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.