The Big List of Cities

Category: W

  • Wilbraham, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Wilbraham is a beautiful town located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the western part of the state, approximately 80 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 22.4 square miles, of which 0.93% is water. The Chicopee River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, runs through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Wilbraham are 42° 8′ 22″ N, 72° 26′ 31″ W. It is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Wilbraham is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is the largest metropolitan area in western Massachusetts. The town is bordered by Ludlow to the north, Palmer to the east, Monson to the southeast, Hampden to the south, and East Longmeadow to the west.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, Wilbraham had a population of 14,219 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 45.9 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, accounting for 94.7% of the population, followed by Asian (2.2%), African American (1.3%), and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Wilbraham was first settled in 1730 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1763. The town was named after Wilbraham, England. During the 19th century, the town became known for its orchards and nurseries, and it was home to the Wilbraham Peach Festival, an annual event that celebrated the town’s peach production.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wilbraham is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The town is home to several parks and open spaces, including the Rice Nature Preserve and the Wilbraham Mountain Range. The Chicopee River provides opportunities for fishing and boating. The town is also part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south flyway for migratory birds in North America.

    🏫 Education

    Wilbraham boasts a strong educational system. The town is served by the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Minnechaug Regional High School. Wilbraham is also home to Wilbraham & Monson Academy, a prestigious private college preparatory school.

    🚧 Transportation

    Wilbraham is served by several major roads, including U.S. Route 20 and Massachusetts Route 32. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located about 30 miles southwest of the town in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Wilbraham is perhaps most famous as the birthplace of Friendly’s, a popular East Coast restaurant chain known for its ice cream. The first Friendly’s was opened in Wilbraham in 1935. The town also hosts the annual Peach Blossom Festival, a community event that celebrates the town’s history and includes a parade, music, food, and crafts.

  • Wheelwright, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Wheelwright is a village located in the town of Hardwick in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The village is situated in the central part of Massachusetts, approximately 20 miles west of the city of Worcester. The landscape of Wheelwright is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland, with the Ware River running through the area.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Wheelwright, Massachusetts are approximately 42.36 degrees North latitude and 72.20 degrees West longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Wheelwright is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the eastern part of Worcester County, which is the largest county in Massachusetts. The village itself is small and rural, covering a modest area within the larger town of Hardwick.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Hardwick, Wheelwright does not have its own separate population count. However, the town of Hardwick had a population of approximately 3,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The demographics of Hardwick, and by extension Wheelwright, are predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic groups.

    🏛️ History

    Wheelwright was named after George Wheelwright III, a prominent Boston businessman who purchased land in the area in the late 19th century. The village was developed as a mill community, with the Ware River providing power for various industries. Over the years, Wheelwright has maintained its rural character, with many of its historic buildings and structures still standing today.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wheelwright is known for its natural beauty and rural charm. The village is surrounded by forests, fields, and hills, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The Ware River is a prominent feature of the local landscape, and it contributes to the area’s rich biodiversity.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Wheelwright is provided by the Quabbin Regional School District, which serves the town of Hardwick and several other communities in the area. The district offers a range of educational programs for students from kindergarten through high school. There are also several colleges and universities located within driving distance of Wheelwright, including Worcester State University and Clark University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Wheelwright is primarily by car, with several state highways and county roads providing access to the village. The nearest major airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 30 miles east of Wheelwright. Public transportation options are limited, reflecting the village’s rural character and small population.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Despite its small size, Wheelwright has a rich history and a strong sense of community. The village is home to several historic buildings, including the Wheelwright Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each year, the village and the larger town of Hardwick host a variety of community events, such as the Hardwick Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the United States.

  • Whately, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Whately is a small town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the Pioneer Valley region of the state, known for its rich agricultural heritage. Whately is bordered by Conway to the north, Deerfield to the east, Hatfield to the south, and Williamsburg to the west. The city is characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and the Mill River running through it.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Whately are approximately 42.44 degrees north latitude and 72.63 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Whately is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Springfield-Hartford, Connecticut Combined Statistical Area. The town covers an area of about 20.7 square miles, of which 20.3 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Whately had a population of approximately 1,500 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with small percentages of African American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Whately is around 45 years old, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of males than females.

    🏛️ History

    Whately was first settled in 1672 as part of Hatfield. The town was officially incorporated in 1771 and named after Thomas Whately, an English politician who never visited America but was a supporter of the colonies. Whately was primarily an agricultural community, known for its tobacco farms and apple orchards.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Whately is home to several conservation areas and parks, including the Herlihy Park and the Whately Ponds Farm Conservation Area. The town is also part of the Connecticut River Greenway State Park, offering residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident in its numerous green initiatives and conservation efforts.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Whately is managed by the Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts. The town has one elementary school, Whately Elementary School. For middle and high school, students typically attend Frontier Regional School in neighboring Deerfield. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby towns and cities, including the prestigious University of Massachusetts Amherst.

    🚧 Transportation

    Whately is served by Interstate 91, which provides easy access to nearby cities like Springfield and Northampton. The town is also crossed by U.S. Route 5 and Massachusetts Route 116. Public transportation is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, with a bus route that connects Whately with other towns in the county. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 45 miles to the south.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Whately is known for its annual Fall Festival, a community event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with a farmers market, craft fair, and live music. The town is also home to the Whately Historical Society, which operates a museum in the former town hall building, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s history. One interesting piece of trivia is that Whately is home to the longest covered bridge in Massachusetts, the Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge.

  • West Warren, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Warren is a small village located in the town of Warren, in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the central part of the state, nestled in the scenic Pioneer Valley region. The village is surrounded by a variety of natural features, including rolling hills, forests, and rivers.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of West Warren, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2128° N latitude and 72.2036° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Warren is part of the larger town of Warren, which spans a total area of 27.6 square miles. The village itself is relatively small, comprising a fraction of the town’s total area. It is located in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, known for its picturesque landscapes and fertile farmland.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Warren, West Warren shares its population with the larger town. As of the 2010 Census, the town of Warren had a population of 5,135. The population is predominantly Caucasian, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    West Warren, as part of the town of Warren, shares its rich history. The area was first settled in 1665 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1741. The village of West Warren developed as a mill community, with several factories established along the Ware River. The village’s historical significance is reflected in several of its buildings, including the West Warren Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Warren is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pioneer Valley. The Ware River flows through the village, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Warren is provided by the Quaboag Regional School District, which serves the towns of Warren and West Brookfield. The district operates several schools, including Warren Community Elementary School, Quaboag Regional Middle School, and Quaboag Regional High School.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in West Warren is primarily by road, with Massachusetts Route 67 being the main thoroughfare through the village. The nearest major highway is Interstate 90, which is accessible via Route 67. The village is also served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service to surrounding communities.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Warren is home to the annual West Warren Apple Festival, a popular event that celebrates the local apple harvest with food, crafts, and entertainment. The village’s historic library, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is also a point of interest for history enthusiasts.

  • West Springfield, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    West Springfield is a city situated in Hampden County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is located on the western bank of the Connecticut River, across from the city of Springfield. The city is bordered by Agawam to the south, Holyoke to the north, and Westfield to the west. It covers a total area of 17.5 square miles, of which 0.6 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of West Springfield are approximately 42.1072° N latitude and 72.6204° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    West Springfield is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, within the larger Springfield-Hartford Knowledge Corridor Metropolitan Region, which is home to over 1.9 million people. The city is spread over an area of 17.5 square miles, making it a moderately sized city within the region.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 U.S. Census, West Springfield has a population of approximately 28,529 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and races. The median age of the population is around 39.4 years. The city has a slightly higher female population, with approximately 51.5% of the population being female.

    🏛️ History

    West Springfield was first settled in 1660 and was officially incorporated in 1774. It was originally part of Springfield, but separated due to a dispute over where to locate a new town meeting house. The city played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and the Industrial Revolution, with several historic mills and factories located within the city.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    The city of West Springfield offers a variety of parks and green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. Mittineague Park, one of the city’s largest parks, offers walking trails, sports fields, and a playground. The Connecticut River also provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The city is committed to preserving its natural resources and has several initiatives in place to promote environmental sustainability.

    🏫 Education

    West Springfield is served by the West Springfield Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and West Springfield High School. The city is also home to the West Springfield Public Library, which provides a range of educational resources and programs for residents of all ages.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Springfield is served by several major highways, including Interstate 91 and U.S. Route 5, which provide easy access to nearby cities and towns. The city is also served by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which provides public bus service. The West Springfield Train Station offers rail service to various destinations.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    West Springfield is home to The Eastern States Exposition, also known as The Big E, the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard and the sixth-largest fair in the nation. The city is also known for its St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the largest in New England. The city’s rich history is celebrated through various events and festivals throughout the year.