Category: M

  • Merrimack, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Merrimack is a town located in the southern part of New Hampshire, United States, in Hillsborough County. The town is bordered by the cities of Nashua to the south, Bedford to the west, and Manchester to the north. Merrimack covers an area of approximately 33.4 square miles, with 32.6 square miles of it being land and 0.8 square miles being water. The town is crossed by the Merrimack River and is home to several natural features including Naticook Lake, Baboosic Lake, and the Souhegan River.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Merrimack, New Hampshire are approximately 42.8679° N latitude and 71.4948° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Merrimack is part of the New England region of the United States. The town is situated in the Merrimack Valley area of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. It is the eighth-largest municipality in New Hampshire, covering a total area of 33.4 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Merrimack was approximately 25,600. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of around 41 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Merrimack was first settled by Europeans around 1655 along the Merrimack River. The town was officially incorporated in 1746 and was named after the Merrimack River. Throughout its history, Merrimack has been home to several industries, including agriculture, textile mills, and manufacturing. Today, the town is known for its suburban character and quality of life.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Merrimack is known for its natural beauty, with several parks, rivers, and lakes. The town boasts several recreational areas including Wasserman Park, Twin Bridge Park, and the Horse Hill Nature Preserve. The Merrimack River, which runs through the town, provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The town is also home to a variety of wildlife and is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south flyway for migratory birds in North America.

    🏫 Education

    Merrimack is served by the Merrimack School District, which includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The town is also home to Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, a private four-year college. Additionally, there are several nearby institutions of higher learning, including Southern New Hampshire University and Nashua Community College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Merrimack is well-connected by road, with the Everett Turnpike running through the town, providing easy access to Manchester and Nashua. The town is also served by the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is located approximately 12 miles north of Merrimack. Public transportation is provided by the Nashua Transit System, which operates a bus route through the town.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Merrimack is home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, one of the largest breweries in the United States, and is known for its popular tours and Clydesdale horse stables. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Merrimack Fall Festival and Scarecrow Competition, the Winter Carnival, and the Fourth of July Parade.

  • Middletown, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Middletown is a town located in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States. The town is part of the Providence metropolitan area and is situated on Aquidneck Island, which is shared with the neighboring cities of Newport and Portsmouth. Middletown is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Narragansett Bay to the west. The town’s geography is characterized by a mix of sandy beaches, farmland, and suburban residential areas.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The coordinates for Middletown are approximately 41.5457° N latitude and 71.2914° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Middletown is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of approximately 14.9 square miles, of which 13.0 square miles is land and 1.9 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the United States Census Bureau, Middletown had a population of approximately 16,150 as of 2010. The town has a diverse demographic makeup, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The majority of the population is White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, Asian, and other smaller ethnic groups. The median age in the town is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Middletown was historically a farming community, originally settled in the late 17th century. It was incorporated in 1743 and was named for its position between the other two towns on Aquidneck Island, Newport and Portsmouth. Over the years, Middletown transitioned from an agricultural economy to a more diverse one, with manufacturing, retail, and services playing significant roles.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Middletown is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and natural environment. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is a popular spot for bird watching. The town is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Sachuest Beach (also known as Second Beach), which is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

    🏫 Education

    Middletown’s public school system is served by the Middletown Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Middletown High School. The town is also home to St. George’s School, a private Episcopal boarding school. For higher education, Salve Regina University’s Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy is located in Middletown.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Middletown is primarily by private vehicle, with several major highways passing through the town, including Rhode Island Route 138 and Route 114. The town is also served by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), which provides bus service to other parts of the state. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, which is about 27 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Middletown is home to the Newport Vineyards, one of the largest grape growers in New England, which hosts wine tasting events and festivals. The town also hosts the annual Newport National Golf Club Tournament. Middletown is also home to the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center, which hosts the annual Harvest Fair.

  • Mapleville, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Mapleville is a small village located in the town of Burrillville, in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It is part of the Providence metropolitan area. The village is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and undeveloped land, with a number of historic buildings and structures.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Mapleville are approximately 41.97 degrees North latitude and 71.68 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Mapleville is located in the northeastern part of Rhode Island, in the New England region of the United States. It is part of the larger Providence County, which is one of the five counties in the state. The village is relatively small in area, covering a few square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a small village, Mapleville has a relatively low population. The exact population can vary, but it is generally in the range of a few hundred residents. The demographic makeup of Mapleville is largely reflective of the broader Providence County area, with a mix of different age groups, ethnic backgrounds, and income levels.

    🏛️ History

    Mapleville’s history is closely tied to that of the larger town of Burrillville. The area was originally inhabited by the Nipmuc Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The village grew in the 19th century with the rise of the textile industry, and many of its historic buildings date from this period.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Mapleville is located in a largely rural area, with a number of natural features and green spaces. The village is close to several state forests and parks, including the George Washington Management Area and the Buck Hill Management Area. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Mapleville is managed by the Burrillville School District, which serves the entire town. The district includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. There are also a number of private schools and higher education institutions in the broader Providence County area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Mapleville is primarily by road, with a number of local and state highways passing through or near the village. The village is also served by several bus routes operated by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. The nearest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, about 30 miles to the south.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Mapleville is home to a number of annual community events, including a summer farmers’ market and a holiday tree lighting ceremony. The village is also known for its historic textile mills, several of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Manville, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Manville is a village located in the town of Lincoln in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. The village is situated on the Blackstone River, which played a significant role in the region’s early industrial development. The terrain of the area is characterized by a combination of flatlands and gentle hills.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Manville, Rhode Island are approximately 41.9656° N latitude and 71.4744° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Manville is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated within the town of Lincoln, which is in Providence County. The village covers a total area of 1.5 square miles (3.9 km²), all of it land.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Manville was 3,934. The demographic makeup of the village is diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age in Manville is approximately 40 years.

    🏛️ History

    Manville owes its existence to the industrial revolution. It was established as a mill village in the 19th century, with the Manville-Jenckes Company operating a large cotton mill on the banks of the Blackstone River. The village grew around this mill, with housing, schools, and churches built to accommodate the mill workers and their families. Despite the decline of the textile industry in the 20th century, Manville has retained its distinct identity within the town of Lincoln.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Manville is home to several parks and recreational areas, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Blackstone River provides a scenic backdrop to the village and is a key feature of the local landscape. Efforts have been made to preserve the natural beauty of the area and maintain its environmental health.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Manville is governed by the Lincoln School District. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools, providing comprehensive education services to the residents of Manville and surrounding areas. There are also private schools and early learning centers available in the area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Manville is served by several major roads, including Rhode Island Route 126 and Rhode Island Route 123, making it easily accessible from other parts of the state. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), with bus routes connecting Manville to other communities in Providence County.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Manville is known for its annual Manville Firefighters’ Memorial Day Parade, which has been a tradition in the village for over 90 years. The event pays tribute to local firefighters and serves as a community celebration. The village also hosts other local events and festivals throughout the year, reflecting its strong community spirit.

  • Mattapoisett, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Mattapoisett is a charming coastal town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the western shore of Buzzards Bay and is bordered by the towns of Fairhaven to the south, Acushnet and Rochester to the west, and Marion to the north. The town encompasses a total area of 24.2 square miles, of which 17.4 square miles is land and 6.8 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts are approximately 41.66 degrees North latitude and 70.81 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Mattapoisett is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, specifically in Plymouth County. The town is part of the Greater Boston area and is approximately 55 miles south of Boston, the state capital.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Mattapoisett has a population of approximately 6,500 residents. The demographic makeup of the town is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, or other races. The median age in Mattapoisett is around 47 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Mattapoisett was originally a part of Rochester, Massachusetts. It was first settled by Europeans in 1750 and was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1857. The town’s name, “Mattapoisett”, is believed to be of Wampanoag origin, meaning “place of resting”. In the 19th century, Mattapoisett was a prominent shipbuilding center, producing many of the whaling ships that sailed from New Bedford.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Mattapoisett is known for its scenic beauty, with its coastline along Buzzards Bay offering stunning views. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Mattapoisett River Reserve and Nasketucket Bay State Reservation. The Mattapoisett Harbor, with its iconic lighthouse, is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for migratory birds.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Mattapoisett is served by the Old Rochester Regional School District, which also includes the towns of Marion and Rochester. The district operates an elementary school, a junior high school, and a high school. For higher education, the town is within commuting distance to several colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Mattapoisett primarily revolves around road travel, with Massachusetts Route 6 serving as the main thoroughfare through the town. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, located about 10 miles to the west. For public transportation, the town is served by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) which provides bus service to surrounding areas.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every summer, Mattapoisett hosts the Harbor Days festival, a week-long event that features a craft fair, road race, and parade, among other activities. The event is organized by the Mattapoisett Lions Club and proceeds go towards local charities. In terms of trivia, Mattapoisett is mentioned in Herman Melville’s classic novel “Moby-Dick” as the hometown of the book’s first mate character, Starbuck.