Category: R

  • Rutland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rutland is a town in Worcester County, located in the central part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is spread over a total area of 36.4 square miles, of which 35.3 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water. Rutland is bordered by Princeton on the east, Paxton on the south, Oakham on the west, and Hubbardston and Westminster on the north.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Rutland, Massachusetts, are approximately 42°22′22″N latitude and 71°56′45″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rutland is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts. It is located in the central part of the state, approximately 13 miles northwest of the city of Worcester and about 52 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 36.4 square miles.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the town of Rutland has a population of approximately 9,200 residents. The population is predominantly white, making up about 97% of the total population. The remaining 3% is a mix of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Rutland is around 39 years.

    🏛️ History

    Rutland was first settled in 1686 as Naquag. Later, it was officially incorporated as Rutland in 1722. The town is known for being the geographical center of Massachusetts. It also has historical significance as it was the site of the imprisonment of Nipmuc Indians during King Philip’s War in 1675-76.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rutland is home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas. The Rutland State Park offers hiking, fishing, and picnic areas. The town is also home to the Central Tree, which is recognized as the geographical center of Massachusetts. The environment is characterized by a mix of suburban and rural landscapes, with many forests, fields, and wetlands.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rutland is administered by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Glenwood Elementary, and one middle school, Central Tree Middle School. High school students attend Wachusett Regional High School located in the neighboring town of Holden.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rutland is served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) which provides bus service to the town. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 16 miles southeast of Rutland. Major highways serving Rutland include Massachusetts Route 122A and Massachusetts Route 56.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rutland is known for its annual Fourth of July celebration, which is one of the biggest in central Massachusetts. The town also hosts the Rutland Agricultural Commission’s Farmers Market, which runs from June to October. In addition, Rutland is home to Heifer International’s Overlook Farm, a learning center that offers programs about sustainable agriculture and global hunger issues.

  • Rochdale, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rochdale is a village located within the town of Leicester in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The village is situated in the south-central part of the state. It is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and undeveloped land, with a variety of natural features including forests, streams, and hills.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Rochdale, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2134° N latitude and 71.9182° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rochdale is part of the larger town of Leicester, which is located within Worcester County. The county is in the central part of Massachusetts, a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The village itself covers a relatively small area within the town, with a mix of developed and undeveloped land.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    Rochdale, being a village within the town of Leicester, does not have its own separate population count. However, as of the 2020 census, the total population of Leicester was approximately 11,000. The demographics of Leicester, and likely Rochdale by extension, are predominantly white, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic groups.

    🏛️ History

    Rochdale, as part of Leicester, shares its history. Leicester was first settled by Europeans in 1713 and officially incorporated in 1714. The area was originally inhabited by the Nipmuc Native American tribe. Rochdale was named after the town of Rochdale in England. Over the years, the area has seen a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rochdale is home to a variety of natural features, including forested areas, streams, and hills. The village is part of a region known for its beautiful fall foliage and scenic landscapes. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and smaller mammals.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rochdale is provided by the Leicester Public Schools district, which serves the entire town of Leicester. The district includes an elementary school, a middle school, and Leicester High School. For higher education, residents of Rochdale have access to numerous colleges and universities in Worcester County, including Worcester State University and Becker College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rochdale is served by a number of major roads, including Massachusetts Route 56 and Massachusetts Route 9, which provide connections to other parts of the state. The village is also within a short drive of Interstate 90, a major east-west highway. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus routes in Leicester and surrounding communities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rochdale is home to several community events throughout the year, including the annual Leicester Harvest Fair. The village is also near several points of interest in Worcester County, including the EcoTarium, a unique indoor-outdoor museum, and the Worcester Art Museum. Rochdale’s ZIP code, 01542, is shared with the rest of Leicester.

  • Rutland, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rutland is a small town located in the heart of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the United States. It is part of Worcester County. The town is nestled in the central part of the state and is surrounded by a number of other towns including Paxton, Holden, Princeton, and Oakham. Rutland covers a total area of approximately 36.4 square miles, of which 35.3 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Rutland, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3693° N latitude and 71.9480° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rutland is part of the New England region in the Northeastern United States. It is situated in the central part of Massachusetts, a state known for its rich history and diverse landscapes. The town is part of the Worcester County, which is the largest county in Massachusetts in terms of land area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Rutland had a population of approximately 9,200 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being families with children. The majority of the population is of Caucasian descent, but there are also residents of various other ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diverse nature of the broader Massachusetts population.

    🏛️ History

    Rutland was first settled in 1686 as a farming community and was officially incorporated as a town in 1722. The town played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a rural outpost for soldiers and supplies. Rutland is also known for being the geographic center of Massachusetts.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rutland is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring a mix of rolling hills, forests, and bodies of water. The town is home to Rutland State Park, a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also includes Whitehall Pond and a portion of the Ware River. The town is committed to environmental preservation and has implemented various measures to protect its natural resources.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rutland is managed by the Wachusett Regional School District, which serves several towns in the area. The town has several public schools, including Naquag Elementary School and Glenwood Elementary School, as well as Central Tree Middle School and Wachusett Regional High School. There are also private and religious schools in the area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rutland is served by a number of major roads, including Massachusetts Route 122A, Route 56, and Route 68. The town is approximately 13 miles from Worcester and 52 miles from Boston, making it accessible for commuters. While there is no public transportation within Rutland, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides bus service to nearby towns.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Rutland hosts a number of community events, including the popular Rutland 4th of July Parade and Celebration, and the Rutland Agricultural Commission’s Fall Festival. The town is also known for being the original home of the Rutland Prison Camp, a former prison work farm, which is now a historic site.

  • Rochdale, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rochdale is a small village located in the town of Leicester in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It’s situated in the central part of the state, approximately 8 miles west of the city of Worcester. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of suburban neighborhoods and rural landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Rochdale, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2139° N latitude and 71.9081° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rochdale is part of the New England region of the United States, in the northeastern part of the country. The village is part of the larger town of Leicester, which covers an area of approximately 24.7 square miles. Rochdale itself is a small portion of that area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Leicester, Rochdale does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Leicester as a whole has a population of around 11,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population is predominantly white, with smaller proportions of African American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Rochdale, like the rest of Leicester, has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. The area was first settled by Europeans in 1713 and was incorporated as a town in 1714. The village of Rochdale was named after the town of Rochdale in England. Throughout its history, the area has been primarily residential, with some agriculture and industry.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rochdale is characterized by its mix of suburban and rural landscapes. The village is home to several parks and green spaces, including Rochdale Park and the Leicester Town Forest. The area also has several bodies of water, including Kettle Brook Reservoir and several smaller ponds.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rochdale is provided by the Leicester Public Schools district, which serves the entire town of Leicester. The district operates several schools, including Leicester High School, Leicester Middle School, and two elementary schools. There are also private school options in the nearby city of Worcester.

    🚧 Transportation

    Rochdale is primarily a car-dependent community, with most residents commuting by private vehicle. The village is served by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 56 and Massachusetts Route 9. Public transportation is limited, although there is bus service to Worcester provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Rochdale is home to several community events throughout the year, including the annual Leicester Harvest Fair. The village is also close to several attractions in the larger town of Leicester, including the Leicester Historical Society and the Becker College campus.

  • Royalston, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Royalston is a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the New Hampshire border. The town covers a total area of 42.5 square miles, of which 42.2 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. Royalston is characterized by hilly terrain and is home to several bodies of water including Tully Lake and Royalston Falls.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Royalston, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.68 degrees north latitude and 72.20 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Royalston is part of the New England region of the U.S., specifically in the northeastern part of Massachusetts. It falls within the Worcester County. The town is surrounded by several towns including Athol to the west, Phillipston to the south, and Winchendon to the east.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Royalston was approximately 1,250. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 45 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Royalston was first settled in 1762 and was officially incorporated in 1765. The town was named after Isaac Royall, a loyalist who fled to England during the American Revolutionary War. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character and historical charm, with numerous historical buildings and sites scattered throughout the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Royalston is known for its natural beauty, with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities available. The town is home to several nature reserves, including the Royalston Falls Natural Area, which features a stunning 45-foot waterfall. Tully Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The town is also part of the North Quabbin Bioreserve, an area dedicated to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Royalston is managed by the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Royalston Community School. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the nearby town of Athol. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Royalston primarily relies on road networks, with Route 68 and Route 32 serving as the main thoroughfares. The town is about 30 miles from the Fitchburg Municipal Airport, the closest airport. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Royalston hosts a variety of community events, including the Royalston Fall Festival and the Royalston Arts Foundry’s Art Show. The town is also home to the Phinehas S. Newton Library, which is one of the oldest libraries in the country, established in 1882. Additionally, Royalston was the filming location for a few scenes in the 2019 movie “Little Women.”