📍 Location & Geography
Dighton is a town located in Bristol County, in the southeastern part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is approximately 39.2 square miles in size, with about 2.1 square miles of this being water. The town is bordered by the Taunton River to the west and includes several small streams and bodies of water within its boundaries.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Dighton are approximately 41.8137° N latitude and 71.1211° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Dighton is part of the New England region of the United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, and is part of the Greater Boston area. The town is surrounded by other Massachusetts communities including Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset, Freetown, Berkley, and Taunton.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Dighton has a population of approximately 7,500 residents. The town is predominantly white, with a small percentage of the population being African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age of residents is around 44 years, with a nearly even distribution of males and females.
🏛️ History
Dighton was first settled by Europeans in 1672 and was officially incorporated in 1712. The town was named after Frances Dighton Williams, wife of the first Proprietor of the town, Richard Williams. Dighton was primarily an agricultural community throughout its early history. The town is also known for the Dighton Rock, a 40-ton boulder covered in petroglyphs of uncertain origin, now kept in a state park.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Dighton is home to several parks and outdoor spaces, including the Broad Cove Reserve and the Dighton Rock State Park. The town’s location along the Taunton River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities. The area is also known for its beautiful fall foliage, attracting visitors during the autumn months.
🏫 Education
Education in Dighton is managed by the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District. The town has several schools, including Dighton Elementary School, Dighton Middle School, and Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Bristol Community College and Brown University.
🚧 Transportation
Major highways in Dighton include U.S. Route 44 and Massachusetts Route 138. The town is also served by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), which provides public bus service. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately 30 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Dighton is known for its annual Strawberry Festival, which is held in June and features local strawberries, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. The town is also home to the Dighton Rock, a historical artifact that has been the subject of much speculation and study due to its mysterious inscriptions.