📍 Location & Geography
Granville is a charming town located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, and is characterized by its hilly terrain, lush forests, and numerous streams. Granville is bordered by Southwick to the east, Tolland to the west, Russell to the north, and Connecticut to the south.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Granville, Massachusetts are approximately 42.0716° N latitude and 72.8610° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Granville is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It spans an area of approximately 43.0 square miles (111.3 km²), of which about 42.2 square miles (109.3 km²) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of Granville was 1,566. The population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and African American. The median age in Granville is around 45 years, slightly higher than the state average.
🏛️ History
Granville was first settled by English colonists in 1736 and was officially incorporated in 1754. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with dairy farming being a significant industry. The Granville Country Store, which opened in 1790, is one of the oldest continuously operated country stores in the United States.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Granville is known for its beautiful natural environment, with several parks and forests offering opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Granville State Forest is a popular attraction, featuring a waterfall, camping sites, and trails. The town is also home to the Granville Gorge, a picturesque canyon carved by the Hubbard River.
🏫 Education
Education in Granville is managed by the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Granville Village School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 6. For secondary education, students attend Powder Mill School and Southwick Regional School in the neighboring town of Southwick.
🚧 Transportation
Granville is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by several state highways, including Route 57, which runs east-west through the town, and Route 189, which heads south towards Connecticut. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport, located approximately 20 miles south in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Granville hosts the Granville Harvest Fair, a beloved local tradition that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with crafts, food, music, and family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its production of maple syrup, with several sugarhouses offering tours and tastings during the sugaring season.