The Big List of Cities

Category: W

  • Ware, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Ware is a town located in Hampshire County, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. The town is situated in the southeastern part of the county, nestled in the Pioneer Valley region. Ware is surrounded by the towns of Hardwick, New Braintree, West Brookfield, Warren, Palmer, Belchertown, and Pelham. The town is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the Ware River flowing through it.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Ware, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2598° N latitude and 72.2398° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Ware is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of approximately 40.0 square miles (103.6 km²), of which, 38.7 square miles (100.2 km²) of it is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) of it (3.30%) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Ware had a population of approximately 9,872 people. The town’s population is fairly diverse, with a mix of different ethnicities and ages. The median age in the town is around 38 years.

    🏛️ History

    The town of Ware was first settled in 1717 and was officially incorporated in 1775. It was named after the English town of Ware, Hertfordshire. In the 19th century, Ware became a center for industry and commerce, with its factories producing a variety of goods, including textiles and shoes.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ware is home to the beautiful Grenville Park, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The town is also near the Quabbin Reservoir, one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. The Ware River flows through the town, adding to its natural beauty.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Ware is managed by the Ware Public Schools district. The district operates several schools, including Ware Middle School and Ware Junior/Senior High School. For higher education, residents have access to a number of nearby colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ware is served by a number of major roads, including Routes 9 and 32. Public transportation is provided by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, which operates bus service in the town. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 40 miles south of Ware.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Ware has a rich history that is celebrated through various events throughout the year. The town hosts an annual “Ware River Valley Festival” that includes a parade, live music, and local food vendors. Ware is also known for its historic downtown area, which features a number of well-preserved 19th-century buildings.

  • Wales, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Wales is a small town located in the county of Hampden, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the eastern part of the county, along the border with Worcester County. The town covers a total area of 16.0 square miles, of which, 15.7 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The landscape of Wales is hilly and heavily forested, with several streams running through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Wales, Massachusetts are approximately 42°4′20″N latitude and 72°13′25″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Wales is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is the third largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts. The town is bordered by Brimfield to the east, Holland to the south, Stafford, Connecticut to the west, and Monson to the north.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 Census, the population of Wales was 1,838. The town is predominantly White, making up over 97% of the population. The remaining population is composed of a mix of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Wales is around 44 years, slightly higher than the national average.

    🏛️ History

    Wales was first settled in 1726 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1775. It was originally named South Brimfield, but was renamed Wales in 1828, in honor of James Lawrence Wales, a local benefactor. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with some small industry located along the streams.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wales is known for its natural beauty, with its hilly terrain and abundant forests. The town is home to several bodies of water, including Lake George, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, a 2,000-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature center, is located just east of the town.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Wales is managed by the Tantasqua Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Wales Elementary School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 4. Students in grades 5-12 attend schools in the neighboring town of Sturbridge.

    🚧 Transportation

    Wales is accessible by road, with Massachusetts Route 19 being the main thoroughfare running through the town. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 40 miles away. There is no public transportation service in Wales, so residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, the town of Wales celebrates Wales Days, a weekend-long event featuring a parade, craft fair, and various community activities. The town is also known for its historical architecture, with several 18th and 19th-century homes and buildings still standing.