The Big List of Cities

Category: O

  • Ossipee, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ossipee is a town located in Carroll County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, approximately 20 miles from the Maine border. The town is named after the Ossipee Indians, one of the twelve Algonquian tribes. It covers an area of 74.5 square miles, of which 3.2 square miles is water. The town is drained by the Bearcamp, Lovell, Pine, and Ossipee rivers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Ossipee, New Hampshire are approximately 43.6854° N latitude and 71.1167° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ossipee is part of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, an area known for its many lakes and ponds. It is surrounded by several towns including Effingham to the east, Wakefield to the south, and Tamworth to the west. The town’s total area is approximately 75.2 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Ossipee had a population of approximately 4,345 people. The population density was 58.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age was 45 years.

    🏛️ History

    Ossipee was originally incorporated as a town in 1785. It was named after the Ossipee Indians, the original inhabitants of the area. The town was a strategic location for trade and transportation during the colonial period due to its position along the Ossipee River. Ossipee was also known for its lumber industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ossipee is home to a variety of natural attractions. The town is bordered by the Ossipee Mountains to the west and has several rivers and lakes within its boundaries. Ossipee Lake, the largest in Carroll County, is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also near the White Mountain National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Ossipee is managed by the Governor Wentworth Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Ossipee Central School, for students from kindergarten through grade 6. For secondary education, students attend Kingswood Regional Middle School and Kingswood Regional High School, both located in the nearby town of Wolfeboro.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ossipee is served by New Hampshire Route 16, which runs north-south through the town, and New Hampshire Route 25, which runs east-west. The town is approximately two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts, and one hour south of Portland, Maine, by car. The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport, located in Portland, Maine.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Ossipee is known for its annual Old Home Week, a week-long celebration held in July that features a variety of events including a parade, fireworks, and a town-wide yard sale. The town is also home to the Carroll County Courthouse, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Orford, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Orford is a picturesque town situated in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. It lies on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, which forms the boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont. The town is characterized by a mix of rolling farmland, forested areas, and the beautiful riverfront.

    🌎 Coordinates

    Orford is geographically located at 43.9042° N latitude and 72.1408° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Orford is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of 48.0 square miles, of which 46.1 square miles is land and 1.9 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Orford had a population of 1,237 people. The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 45 years.

    🏛️ History

    Orford was first chartered by Governor Benning Wentworth in 1761. It was named after Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, who was the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the main occupation of its early settlers. Over time, Orford has maintained its rural charm while developing into a residential community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Orford is home to a variety of natural attractions. The Connecticut River provides opportunities for boating and fishing, while the town’s forests and fields are ideal for hiking and bird watching. Orford also has several hills, including Mount Cube and Sunday Mountain, which are part of the Appalachian Trail. The town is committed to preserving its natural beauty and has several conservation areas.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Orford is administered by the Rivendell Interstate School District, which also serves other towns in New Hampshire and Vermont. The town has one elementary school, the Samuel Morey Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend the Rivendell Academy.

    🚧 Transportation

    Orford is accessible by New Hampshire Route 10, which runs north-south through the town. The nearest commercial airports are Lebanon Municipal Airport in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Burlington International Airport in Burlington, Vermont.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Orford is known for its historic row houses, also known as the Ridge Houses, which are one of the finest examples of early 19th-century residential architecture in New Hampshire. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Orford Flea Market, the Orford Social Library Summer Book Sale, and the annual Orford-Fairlee Fourth of July Parade.

  • Oakland, Rhode Island

    📍 Location & Geography

    Oakland is a small village located in the town of Burrillville in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the Massachusetts border. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of suburban and rural characteristics, and is surrounded by forests and small bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Oakland, Rhode Island, are approximately 41.9742° N latitude and 71.6490° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Oakland is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the northern part of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the country. The village itself covers a relatively small area, being part of the larger town of Burrillville.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a small village, Oakland doesn’t have a large population. The exact population isn’t readily available as the U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t provide data for villages. However, the town of Burrillville, which Oakland is part of, has a population of approximately 16,000 people. The demographics of Burrillville are predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or other races.

    🏛️ History

    Oakland was established during the industrial revolution in the 19th century. It was a mill village, with its economy centered around the Oakland Mill, which produced textiles. The village has retained much of its historical character, with several 19th-century buildings still standing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Oakland is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and small bodies of water. The village is near the Clear River, which offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing. The area’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Oakland is provided by the Burrillville School District, which serves the entire town of Burrillville. The district operates several schools, including an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. There are also private and parochial schools in the surrounding area. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within driving distance, including Bryant University and Rhode Island College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Oakland is primarily by car, with Rhode Island Route 102 serving as the main road through the village. Public transportation is limited, but residents have access to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus service in nearby towns. The closest major airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, which is about an hour’s drive from Oakland.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the town of Burrillville, including the village of Oakland, hosts a variety of community events, such as the Burrillville Family Fun Fair and the annual Arts Festival. These events bring together residents and visitors for entertainment, food, and local art. The Oakland village itself is a quiet, peaceful place that offers a glimpse into New England’s past with its historic buildings and serene natural landscapes.

  • Osterville, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Osterville is a village located in the town of Barnstable in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the south side of Cape Cod, bordered by Nantucket Sound to the south, East Bay to the east, and West Bay to the west. The village is primarily residential and known for its scenic beauty, featuring salt marshes, ponds, and beaches.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Osterville, Massachusetts are approximately 41.6278° N latitude and 70.3831° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Osterville is one of seven villages within the town of Barnstable, which is the largest community on Cape Cod. The village itself covers a land area of approximately 5.5 square miles. It is part of the Barnstable Town Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region defined for statistical purposes by the United States Census Bureau.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the latest available data, Osterville has a population of around 3,700 residents. The village has a diverse age range, with a significant number of retirees. The racial makeup of the village is predominantly white, with a small percentage of other races. The median income for a household in the village is higher than the national average, reflecting the area’s affluence.

    🏛️ History

    Osterville was originally named Cotacheset, based on the native American name for the area. English colonists settled in the area in the mid-17th century, and the village grew as a center for oystering and other forms of fishing. In the 19th century, it became a popular summer resort, and it has maintained its reputation as a desirable residential and vacation community.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Osterville is known for its natural beauty, featuring several beaches, salt marshes, and ponds. Dowses Beach and Joshua’s Pond are popular spots for swimming and sunbathing. The village is also home to the Osterville Bay Fields, which include baseball fields, tennis courts, and a playground. The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities for bird watching and nature walks.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Osterville is served by the Barnstable Public School District. There are several schools in the district, including an elementary school, middle school, and high school. The village is also in close proximity to Cape Cod Community College, providing opportunities for higher education.

    🚧 Transportation

    Osterville is accessible by Massachusetts Route 28, a major highway that runs through the village. The Barnstable Municipal Airport, located just a few miles away, provides air travel services. For local transportation, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority offers bus services throughout Barnstable County.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Osterville hosts a number of community events, including the Osterville Village Day, a summer festival that features a parade, live music, and food vendors. The village is also home to the Osterville Historical Museum, which showcases local history and culture. In addition, Osterville is known for its Wianno oysters, a local delicacy that has been harvested in the area for centuries.

  • Orleans, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Orleans is a picturesque town located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, on the inner “elbow” of Cape Cod, the broad, sandy peninsula that curves out into the Atlantic Ocean. The town is surrounded by water on three sides, with Cape Cod Bay to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Pleasant Bay to the south.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Orleans are 41.7898° N latitude and 69.9898° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Orleans is part of the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, a popular vacation destination known for its beaches, lighthouses, and seafood. The town covers a total area of 22.7 square miles, of which 21.0 square miles is land and 1.7 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Orleans is approximately 5,890. The town has a predominantly white population, with a median age of 63.5 years, significantly higher than the national average. This is reflective of the town’s popularity as a retirement destination.

    🏛️ History

    Orleans was first settled in 1693 by Pilgrims from the Plymouth Colony, who were attracted by the area’s abundant fish and arable land. The town was officially incorporated in 1797 and named in honor of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, in recognition of France’s support during the American Revolution. Over the centuries, Orleans has been a center for maritime, agricultural, and tourist industries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Orleans is renowned for its natural beauty, with numerous beaches, marshes, and forests. The Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected area that covers much of the outer Cape, includes parts of Orleans. The town is also home to the Orleans Conservation Trust, which maintains several nature trails and preserves. Wildlife is abundant, with many species of birds, fish, and marine mammals found in the area.

    🏫 Education

    Orleans is served by the Nauset Regional School District, which includes Orleans Elementary School, Nauset Regional Middle School, and Nauset Regional High School. The town is also home to Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School, a public charter school serving grades 6-8.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Orleans is primarily by car, with Route 6 and Route 28 being the main thoroughfares. The town is also served by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which provides public bus service. The nearest airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport, located about 27 miles to the west in Hyannis.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Orleans is known for its annual events, such as the Orleans Farmers Market and the Orleans Waterfront Inn’s Summer Concert Series. The town also has a rich cultural scene, with the Academy Playhouse offering live theater and the Addison Art Gallery showcasing local artists. One interesting piece of trivia is that Orleans was the only part of the United States to be attacked by a foreign power during World War I, when a German U-boat shelled a tugboat off the coast.