📍 Location & Geography
Gilbertville is a village located in the town of Hardwick, in the county of Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state. The village is nestled in the rolling hills of the Hardwick countryside, with the Ware River flowing through it.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Gilbertville are 42.3326° N latitude and 72.1989° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Gilbertville is part of the Worcester county, which is in the central region of Massachusetts. It falls under the New England region of the United States. The village covers a total area of approximately 2.1 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As Gilbertville is a part of the town of Hardwick, it shares its population count. As of the 2020 census, Hardwick had a population of approximately 3,000 residents. The population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents. The median age in this area is around 44 years.
🏛️ History
Gilbertville was named after George Gilbert, a local mill owner in the 19th century. The village was a prominent mill town in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with several factories producing textiles and other goods. Many of the historic mill buildings and workers’ housing units still stand today, adding a unique charm to the village.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Gilbertville is known for its scenic beauty, with the Ware River providing a picturesque backdrop for the village. The surrounding countryside is rich in forests, farmland, and rolling hills. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and various bird species. The Gilbertville Covered Bridge, a historic landmark, is a popular spot for nature lovers.
🏫 Education
Education in Gilbertville is serviced by the Quabbin Regional School District. The district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The closest higher education institutions are located in nearby cities, including Worcester State University, Clark University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
🚧 Transportation
Gilbertville is primarily a car-dependent village with most residents relying on private vehicles for transportation. The closest major highway is Interstate 90, which is approximately 20 miles south of the village. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located around 30 miles east of Gilbertville.
📜 Trivia & Events
Gilbertville hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Hardwick Fair, one of the oldest fairs in the United States. The Gilbertville Covered Bridge, also known as the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge, is a historic landmark and one of the few surviving covered bridges in Massachusetts. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.