📍 Location & Geography
Essex is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the North Shore of Massachusetts, approximately 26 miles north of Boston. The town occupies a total area of 15.9 square miles, of which 14 square miles is land and the remaining 1.9 square miles is water. The town is bordered by Gloucester to the east, Manchester-by-the-Sea to the south, and Hamilton to the west.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Essex, Massachusetts are approximately 42.63 degrees north latitude and 70.77 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Essex is part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, which is known for its coastal towns and historic communities. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The total area of Essex is 15.9 square miles, making it a small but charming part of the region.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Essex had a population of 3,504. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, or from other races. The median age in Essex is approximately 45 years.
🏛️ History
Essex was originally incorporated as a town in 1819. It was previously part of the town of Ipswich and was primarily a farming community. However, the town quickly became known for its shipbuilding industry, which thrived during the 19th century. Many of the ships built in Essex were used in the fishing industry, particularly for catching cod and mackerel.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Essex is known for its beautiful and diverse natural landscape. The town is home to the Essex River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is a popular spot for boating and kayaking. The town also has several parks and nature reserves, including the Essex River Estuary and the Crane Wildlife Refuge.
🏫 Education
Education in Essex is managed by the Manchester-Essex Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Essex Elementary School. Middle and high school students attend Manchester-Essex Regional Middle and High School in the neighboring town of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
🚧 Transportation
Essex is served by Massachusetts Route 133, which runs through the center of the town. The town is also accessible by Route 128. Public transportation in Essex is provided by the Cape Ann Transportation Authority, which operates bus routes connecting Essex with neighboring towns.
📜 Trivia & Events
Essex is known for its annual Clamfest, a festival celebrating the town’s rich history of clamming. The town is also famous for its antique shops and is often referred to as the “Antiques Capital of America”. Additionally, Essex is the birthplace of fried clams, a popular New England dish.