📍 Location & Geography
Duxbury is a coastal town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the South Shore of the state, approximately 35 miles south of Boston. The town is bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the east, Kingston to the south, Pembroke to the west, and Marshfield to the north. Duxbury spans a total area of 37.6 square miles, of which 23.8 square miles is land and 13.9 square miles is water, including numerous ponds, bays, and marshes.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Duxbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.0418° N latitude and 70.6723° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Duxbury is part of the New England region of the United States. It is located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, in Plymouth County. The town encompasses two ZIP codes: 02331 and 02332.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Duxbury had a population of approximately 15,500 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Asian, African American, or Hispanic. The median age in Duxbury is around 45 years, and the town is known for its high rate of home ownership, with many families and retirees residing here.
🏛️ History
Duxbury was first settled by Europeans in 1624 and was officially incorporated in 1637, making it one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. It was named by its early settlers after Duxbury Woods in Lancashire, England. The town played a significant role in the shipbuilding and fishing industries during the 18th and 19th centuries. Duxbury is also known for its historical homes and buildings, many of which date back to the colonial period.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Duxbury is known for its scenic beauty, featuring miles of sandy beaches along its eastern coastline. The town is home to several conservation areas and wildlife sanctuaries, including the North Hill Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Duxbury Beach Park. Duxbury Bay, a significant tidal estuary, is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and bird watching.
🏫 Education
The town of Duxbury has a strong educational system, managed by the Duxbury Public Schools district. It includes Chandler Elementary School, Alden School, Duxbury Middle School, and Duxbury High School. The town is also home to Bay Farm Montessori Academy, a private school serving students from toddler through middle school.
🚧 Transportation
Duxbury is served by several major roads, including Route 3, which provides direct access to Boston to the north and Cape Cod to the south. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but it is served by the Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company, which provides bus service to Boston and other nearby towns. The nearest airport is Plymouth Municipal Airport, located about 12 miles south of Duxbury.
📜 Trivia & Events
Duxbury is known for its annual Duxbury Beach Party, a popular summer event featuring live music, food, and beach games. The town is also home to the Duxbury Art Association, which hosts an annual Winter Juried Show, one of the oldest and most prestigious juried exhibitions in New England. Additionally, Duxbury is the site of the famous Standish Monument, a 116-foot granite statue dedicated to Myles Standish, a military leader for the Plymouth Colony.