The Big List of Cities

Category: H

  • Holliston, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Holliston is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, approximately 21 miles west of Boston. The town occupies a total area of 18.7 square miles, of which 18.3 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Holliston, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2° N latitude and 71.4° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Holliston is part of the Greater Boston area, within the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town is nestled within Middlesex County, the most populous county in Massachusetts and the 22nd most populous county in the nation. Holliston is surrounded by the towns of Sherborn to the east, Milford to the south, Hopkinton to the west, and Ashland to the north.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 Census, Holliston had a population of approximately 14,800 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of families and young professionals. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Asian, African American, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Holliston is around 42 years.

    🏛️ History

    Holliston was first settled by Europeans in 1659 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1724. It was named after Thomas Hollis of London, a benefactor of Harvard University. The town was primarily an agricultural community until the late 19th century when it became a major producer of boots and shoes. In the 20th century, Holliston transitioned into a residential suburb for Boston and its surrounding cities.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Holliston is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring numerous parks, trails, and bodies of water. The town is home to the 89-acre Weston Pond and the 23-acre Pleasure Point. It also features the Upper Charles Trail, a multi-use trail that, when completed, will span 25 miles. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has a number of conservation lands.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Holliston is managed by the Holliston Public Schools district. The district includes four schools: Sam Placentino Elementary School, Fred W. Miller Elementary School, Robert H. Adams Middle School, and Holliston High School. Holliston High School is well-regarded and has been recognized for its strong academic and extracurricular programs.

    🚧 Transportation

    Holliston is served by a number of major roads, including Massachusetts Route 16 and Massachusetts Route 126. While the town does not have its own MBTA train station, residents can access nearby stations in Ashland and Framingham for commuter rail service to Boston. The town is also within a reasonable driving distance of Logan International Airport in Boston and T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Holliston is known for its annual Celebrate Holliston Day, a community event featuring a parade, live music, food, and various activities. The town is also home to the Holliston Historical Society, which operates a museum in a restored 18th-century house. Additionally, Holliston was the setting for the television series “Holliston,” a horror-comedy show that aired on the FEARnet cable network.

  • Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) is a United States Air Force base located primarily within the town of Bedford, Massachusetts, with portions extending into the adjoining towns of Concord and Lincoln. It is in Middlesex County, with the zip code of 01731.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Hanscom AFB are approximately 42.4703° N latitude and 71.2890° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Hanscom AFB is situated in the northeastern region of the United States, specifically in the New England area. The base covers an area of 846 acres, with a large part of it being developed for military and residential use.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the latest census, Hanscom AFB has a population of approximately 1,875 residents. The base is home to military personnel, civilian employees, and their families. The demographic makeup is diverse, with people from various ethnic backgrounds residing in the base.

    🏛️ History

    Hanscom AFB was established in 1941 as Bedford Army Air Field during World War II. It was renamed in 1949 in honor of Laurence G. Hanscom, a Massachusetts-born pilot and aviation enthusiast. Over the years, Hanscom AFB has served as a key installation for the Air Force, hosting various units and commands.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Despite being a military base, Hanscom AFB is surrounded by natural beauty. It is located near the Minute Man National Historical Park, which preserves significant sites from the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War. The base itself is home to various species of flora and fauna.

    🏫 Education

    Education for children living on Hanscom AFB is provided by the Lincoln Public Schools and Bedford Public Schools. The base also hosts the Hanscom Primary and Middle Schools. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the greater Boston area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Hanscom AFB is accessible by road and air. The base is served by Interstate 95 and Route 2A. The base also has its own airfield, Hanscom Field, which is one of the busiest general aviation airports in New England. Public transportation options include bus services connecting the base to nearby towns and cities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Hanscom AFB hosts several events throughout the year, including air shows, community gatherings, and military ceremonies. The base is also known for its significant role in the development of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system during the Cold War, which was an early computerized air defense system.

  • Holland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Holland is a charming town located in Hampden County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the southern central part of the state, nestled near the Connecticut border. Holland covers a total area of approximately 13.1 square miles, of which 12.2 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. The town is known for its picturesque landscapes, with the Hamilton Reservoir being one of the main geographical features.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Holland, Massachusetts are approximately 42°2′20″N latitude and 72°9′25″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Holland is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Sturbridge to the east, Wales to the north, and Brimfield to the northeast. The southern part of Holland borders Union, Connecticut.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the United States Census Bureau, the town of Holland had a population of approximately 2,481 as of the 2010 census. The town exhibits a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.6 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with minorities including African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    The town of Holland was first settled in 1730 and was officially incorporated in 1835. The town was named after Lord Holland, one of the first people to promote the colonization of New England. Holland has a rich history, with many of its historical buildings and sites well-preserved and open for public viewing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Holland is known for its beautiful natural environment, with the Hamilton Reservoir being a major attraction. The reservoir offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The town is also home to several parks and hiking trails, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy the outdoors and the area’s natural beauty.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Holland is administered by the Holland Elementary School, serving students from kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students generally attend Tantasqua Regional Junior High School and Tantasqua Regional High School, both located in the neighboring town of Sturbridge.

    🚧 Transportation

    Holland is accessible via several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 15 and Massachusetts Route 67. The nearest airport to Holland is Bradley International Airport, located approximately 30 miles southwest in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Public transportation services are provided by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Holland is known for its annual events such as the Holland Pond Boat Parade and the Holland Art Festival. The town also hosts a popular annual fishing derby at the Hamilton Reservoir. One interesting trivia about Holland is that it was named after Lord Holland, who never actually visited the area.

  • Holden, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Holden is a town located in Worcester County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town covers a total area of 36.2 square miles, of which 35.6 square miles is land and 0.6 square miles is water. The town is situated in the central part of Massachusetts and is surrounded by the towns of Paxton, Rutland, Princeton, Sterling, West Boylston, and Worcester.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Holden are 42°21′1″N latitude and 71°51′22″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Holden is part of the Worcester metropolitan area, which is the second-largest city in New England. The town is divided into several villages, including Jefferson, Holden center, Chaffin, and Quinapoxet.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 United States Census, the population of Holden is approximately 19,000. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age of the residents is around 42 years.

    🏛️ History

    Holden was first settled in 1723 and officially incorporated in 1741. The town was named after Samuel Holden, a former director of the Bank of England. The town’s growth was initially slow, but it experienced a population boom in the 20th century due to its proximity to Worcester.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Holden is home to several parks and nature reserves. The town’s natural features include the Quinapoxet River, Eagle Lake, and Holden Reservoir. The town also has several trails for hiking and biking, including the Mass Central Rail Trail and Trout Brook Conservation Area.

    🏫 Education

    Holden is served by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has several public schools, including Dawson Elementary School, Mayo Elementary School, Mountview Middle School, and Wachusett Regional High School. Holden also has a public library, the Gale Free Library.

    🚧 Transportation

    Holden is accessible via several major highways, including Route 122A, Route 31, and Interstate 190. The town is also served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, providing bus services to the surrounding areas. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 10 miles from the town center.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Holden Days is an annual event held in August, featuring local businesses, entertainment, and food vendors. The town also hosts the annual Holden Road Race on Thanksgiving Day. A notable fact about Holden is that it was the hometown of Mary Jane Hawes, a 19th-century author known for her children’s books.

  • Hubbardston, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Hubbardston is a charming town located in Worcester County, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It covers a total area of approximately 42.0 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water. The town is characterized by a hilly terrain, with several streams and bodies of water, including Comet Pond and Williamsville Pond.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Hubbardston, Massachusetts are approximately 42.4737° N latitude and 72.0062° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Hubbardston is situated in the central part of Massachusetts, in the New England region of the United States. It is part of the Worcester County and is surrounded by several towns including Barre to the west, Rutland and Princeton to the east, and Templeton to the north.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Hubbardston has a population of approximately 4,580 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 42.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Hubbardston was first settled by Europeans in 1737 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1767. The town was named after Thomas Hubbard, a prominent Bostonian who served as a representative, senator, and councilor for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Throughout its history, Hubbardston has maintained its rural character and charm, with a strong emphasis on community and family life.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Hubbardston is known for its beautiful natural environment, which includes lush forests, rolling hills, and clear streams and ponds. The town is home to several parks and natural reserves, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. Notable natural attractions include the Hubbardston State Forest and the Mare Meadow Reservoir.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Hubbardston is managed by the Quabbin Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Hubbardston Center School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten to grade 6. Students in grades 7-12 attend Quabbin Regional Middle School and Quabbin Regional High School, both located in the nearby town of Barre.

    🚧 Transportation

    Hubbardston is accessible by road via Massachusetts Route 68, which runs north-south through the town, and Massachusetts Route 62, which runs east-west. The town is approximately 20 miles west of Worcester and 60 miles west of Boston. Public transportation is limited in the area, so most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Hubbardston celebrates “Hubbardston Day”, a community event that features a parade, games, food, and live music. The town is also known for its annual “Lions Club Chicken BBQ”, a popular event that draws visitors from around the region. In terms of trivia, Hubbardston is the home of the Hubbardston Candle Company, a well-known local business that has been making hand-poured candles since 1971.