The Big List of Cities

Category: O

  • Oxford, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Oxford is a town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the south-central part of the state, approximately 11 miles south of Worcester and 50 miles west of Boston. The town covers a total area of 27.5 square miles, of which 26.6 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. The town is bordered by Auburn and Leicester to the north, Charlton to the west, Webster to the south, and Sutton and Millbury to the east.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Oxford, Massachusetts are approximately 42°07′N latitude and 71°52′W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Oxford is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is situated in the Blackstone River Valley, which is a significant historical and cultural area. The town is part of the Worcester, MA-CT Metropolitan Statistical Area and the larger Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Oxford had a population of approximately 14,000. The population is predominantly White, with a significant number of Asian and Hispanic residents. The median age in the town is around 40 years. The town has a balanced gender ratio, with slightly more females than males.

    🏛️ History

    Oxford was first settled by Europeans in 1686 and was officially incorporated in 1713. The town was originally a farming community and later developed a strong shoe manufacturing industry during the 19th century. The Clara Barton Birthplace Museum, located in Oxford, commemorates the life and work of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, who was born in the town in 1821.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Oxford is home to several parks and natural areas, including Greenbriar Park, Buffumville Lake, and Hodges Village Dam. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and bird watching. The town is also part of the Blackstone River Watershed, which is a significant ecological area.

    🏫 Education

    Public education in Oxford is managed by the Oxford Public Schools district, which operates several schools including Oxford High School. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby Worcester, which is home to several colleges and universities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Oxford is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 12 and Interstate 395 being the major thoroughfares. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 12 miles north of Oxford.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Oxford is known for its annual summer concert series held at Joslin Park, which features performances by local bands. The town also hosts a popular Independence Day celebration. The Clara Barton Birthplace Museum offers regular events and educational programs related to the life and work of Clara Barton.

  • Oxford, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Oxford, Massachusetts is a town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in central Massachusetts, approximately 11 miles south of the city of Worcester. The town covers a total area of 27.5 square miles, of which 26.6 square miles is land and 0.9 square miles is water. The French River runs through the town, which also includes several ponds and lakes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Oxford, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1168° N latitude and 71.8648° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Oxford is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the southern part of Worcester County, which is the second largest county in Massachusetts. The town is surrounded by several other towns, including Auburn to the north, Webster to the south, and Charlton to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Oxford was approximately 13,709. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 40.4 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a significant percentage of the population being of Polish descent.

    🏛️ History

    Oxford was first settled by Europeans in 1686 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1713. It was originally a farming community, but with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, it transitioned into a mill town, with several textile mills operating along the French River. The town is also known for being the birthplace of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Oxford boasts a variety of natural features, including several bodies of water such as Carbuncle Pond and McKinstry Pond. The French River also provides a scenic backdrop for the town. The town is home to several parks and recreation areas, including Greenbriar Park and Buffumville Lake, which offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Oxford is managed by the Oxford Public Schools district, which operates several schools in the town, including Oxford High School, Oxford Middle School, and two elementary schools. In addition, the town is home to the Clara Barton Center for Diabetes Education, a camp and education center named after the town’s most famous resident.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Oxford is primarily by road, with several major highways, including Interstate 395 and Route 20, passing through the town. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service to the area. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 12 miles north of the town.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Oxford hosts several community events throughout the year, including an annual summer concert series and a holiday tree lighting ceremony. The town is also home to the Oxford Historical Society, which maintains a museum in the town’s old town hall building. One interesting fact about Oxford is that it was the site of the first green card lottery in the United States, held in 1990.

  • Orange, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Orange is a town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 90 miles west of Boston. The town is nestled in the valley of the Millers River, a tributary of the Connecticut River. The terrain of Orange is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and water bodies, including Tully Lake and Lake Mattawa.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Orange, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5929° N latitude and 72.3046° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Orange is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 36 square miles (93.2 km²), of which 35.2 square miles (91.2 km²) is land and 0.8 square miles (2 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Orange has a population of approximately 7,839 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, or other races. The median age in Orange is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Orange was first settled in 1746 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1810. It was named in honor of William, Prince of Orange. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Orange was a thriving industrial town with several manufacturing industries, including the New Home Sewing Machine Company. The town’s rich industrial history is preserved in several historic sites and buildings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Orange is home to a variety of natural attractions. The town is surrounded by state forests and conservation areas, including the Orange State Forest and the Tully Lake Recreation Area. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The Millers River and its tributaries provide habitats for various wildlife species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Orange is managed by the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. The town has several public schools, including Fisher Hill Elementary School, Dexter Park Innovation School, and Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School. Orange also has a public library, the Wheeler Memorial Library.

    🚧 Transportation

    Orange is served by several major roads, including Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Route 202. The town also has a local bus service operated by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. The Orange Municipal Airport provides general aviation services.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Orange is known for its annual Orange Harvest Festival, a community event featuring local food, crafts, and entertainment. The town is also home to the Orange Historical Society, which hosts exhibits and events related to the town’s history. One interesting piece of trivia is that Orange was the first town in the world to be created by a “plan on paper”. The plan was drawn up in 1734, and the town was built according to this plan.

  • Otis, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Otis is a charming town located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the southwestern part of the state, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The town is bordered by Becket to the north, Blandford to the east, Tolland to the southeast, Sandisfield to the south, and Monterey to the west. Otis spans a total area of approximately 38.0 square miles, of which 36.0 square miles is land and 2.0 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Otis are approximately 42°11′20″N latitude and 73°05′39″W longitude. The town is situated at an elevation of around 1,440 feet above sea level.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Otis is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is located in the western region of Massachusetts, known as the Berkshires, which is renowned for its beautiful scenery and cultural attractions. The town is largely rural, with a significant portion of its area covered by state forest land.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 Census, Otis had a population of approximately 1,612 residents. The town has a diverse demographic mix, with a majority of its residents being of European descent. The median age in Otis is around 50 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Otis was first settled in 1740 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1810. The town was named after Harrison Gray Otis, a prominent lawyer and politician from Boston. Historically, Otis was a farming community, but it also had a thriving mill industry due to the presence of the Farmington River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Otis is home to a portion of the Tolland State Forest and the Otis State Forest, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Farmington River runs through the town, providing excellent spots for fishing and boating. The town also boasts the Otis Reservoir, the largest recreational body of water in Massachusetts.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Otis is managed by the Farmington River Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Farmington River Elementary School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students typically attend schools in neighboring towns.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Otis primarily revolves around road networks, with Massachusetts Route 8 being the main thoroughfare running through the town. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located approximately 40 miles away in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Public transportation services are limited due to the town’s rural nature.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Otis is known for its annual events like the Otis Poultry Farm’s Chicken BBQ and the Otis Ski Ridge’s Fall Festival, which attract visitors from around the region. The town is also home to the Grouse House, an unusual hexagonal house built by the notable architect, Hugh Hardy.

  • Oakham, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Oakham is a charming town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town covers a total area of 21.5 square miles, of which 21.0 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles, or 2.23%, is water. Oakham is geographically positioned in the central part of the state. It is bordered by Barre to the west, Rutland to the south, and New Braintree to the north.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Oakham, Massachusetts are approximately 42°21′20″N latitude and 72°03′00″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Oakham is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts, which falls under the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town is predominantly rural, with a landscape characterized by rolling hills, open fields, forests, and numerous streams and ponds.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Oakham has a population of around 1,902 residents. The town’s demographic composition is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Oakham is approximately 44 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of males than females.

    🏛️ History

    Oakham was first settled by Europeans in 1749 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1762. It was originally part of Rutland but was separated due to the difficulty of travel caused by the town’s hilly topography. The town was named after Oakham, in Rutland, England, in honor of the English heritage of its early settlers.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Oakham is known for its rural beauty and serene environment. The town is home to several streams and ponds, contributing to a rich biodiversity. It is also surrounded by a number of state forests and conservation areas, such as the Rutland State Forest and the Ware River Watershed Area, which offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Oakham is managed by the Quabbin Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Oakham Center School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten to grade six. For secondary education, students attend Quabbin Regional Middle School and Quabbin Regional High School, both located in the nearby town of Barre.

    🚧 Transportation

    Oakham is served by a number of state and local routes. State Route 148 runs north-south through the town, while State Route 122 passes through the western part of the town. The town is approximately 20 miles from Worcester and 60 miles from Boston, making it relatively accessible for commuters. However, Oakham does not have a public transportation system, so residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Oakham hosts a number of community events, including the annual Oakham Country Fair, which celebrates the town’s rural heritage with agricultural exhibits, craft shows, and food vendors. The town is also known for its historical buildings, such as the Fobes Memorial Library, which was built in 1897 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.