📍 Location & Geography
Townsend is a charming town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the New Hampshire border. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Ashby to the west, Pepperell to the south, and Lunenburg to the northwest. Townsend covers a total area of 33.1 square miles, of which 32.9 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Townsend, Massachusetts are approximately 42°40′N latitude and 71°42′W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Townsend is part of the New England region, known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes. The town is part of the Nashoba Valley area in northeastern Massachusetts. It is primarily a rural-suburban town with a mix of residential, commercial, and undeveloped land.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Townsend was approximately 9,500 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of about 40 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Townsend was first settled in 1676 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1732. The town was named after Charles Townshend, a British politician who was influential during the period of the town’s incorporation. Townsend played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, with several of its residents serving in the Minutemen and Continental Army.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Townsend is home to a number of beautiful natural features, including the Squannacook and Nashua Rivers, which provide opportunities for fishing and boating. The town also has several parks and conservation areas, such as the Howard Park and the Townsend State Forest, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
🏫 Education
Townsend is served by the North Middlesex Regional School District, which includes Hawthorne Brook Middle School and North Middlesex Regional High School. The town also has two elementary schools: Spaulding Memorial School and Varnum Brook Elementary School. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within commuting distance, including Fitchburg State University and Middlesex Community College.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Townsend is primarily by car, with several state routes passing through the town, including Route 13 and Route 119. The town is approximately a one-hour drive from Boston. Public transportation is provided by the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, which offers bus service to nearby communities. The nearest airport is Fitchburg Municipal Airport, about 15 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Townsend is known for its annual Townsend Earth Day celebration, which promotes environmental awareness and community participation. The town also hosts the Townsend Military Band’s summer concert series at the common, a tradition since 1895. A fun piece of trivia is that Townsend was once home to David Robinson, the drummer for the rock band The Cars.