📍 Location & Geography
Dartmouth, Massachusetts is located in the southeastern part of the state, in Bristol County. The city is bordered by Westport to the west, New Bedford to the east, and Buzzards Bay to the south. Dartmouth covers a total area of 97.5 square miles, of which 61.8 square miles is land and 35.7 square miles is water. The city is known for its rolling hills, rivers, and coastal bays.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Dartmouth, Massachusetts are approximately 41.6106° N latitude and 70.9792° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Dartmouth is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is the third-largest town by land area in Massachusetts. The town is divided into two primary sections: North Dartmouth, which is largely a commercial district, and South Dartmouth, known for its historic village and charming waterfront.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Dartmouth was approximately 34,032. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being over 65. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Dartmouth was first settled by Europeans in 1650 and was officially incorporated in 1664. The town was named after the town of Dartmouth in Devon, England, from where the Puritans originally emigrated. Dartmouth’s early economy was largely based on farming, fishing, and whaling. In the 19th century, the town saw significant growth due to the whaling industry in New Bedford.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Dartmouth is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, which maintains a network of hiking trails throughout the town. The town is also known for its beautiful coastline, featuring several beaches and waterfront areas. Dartmouth’s climate is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters.
🏫 Education
Dartmouth is served by Dartmouth Public Schools, which includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and Dartmouth High School. Higher education is available at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, a public university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
🚧 Transportation
Major roads in Dartmouth include Interstate 195, which runs east-west through the northern part of the town, and Massachusetts Route 6, which runs east-west through the center of the town. Public transportation is provided by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus routes throughout the area. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, located just east of Dartmouth.
📜 Trivia & Events
Dartmouth is known for its annual events such as the Dartmouth Grange Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, food, and entertainment. The town was also the setting for several scenes in the 2010 movie “Shutter Island.” Dartmouth’s Round Hill Beach was once the site of a lavish estate owned by Colonel Edward Howland Robinson Green, son of the infamous Hetty Green, known as the “Witch of Wall Street.”