📍 Location & Geography
Halifax is a charming town located in Plymouth County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 12 miles west of Plymouth and 35 miles south of Boston. The town covers an area of 17.3 square miles, of which 16.1 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water. Halifax is characterized by its numerous bodies of water including Silver Lake, East Monponsett Pond, and West Monponsett Pond.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Halifax, Massachusetts are approximately 41.9912° N latitude and 70.8615° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Halifax is part of the New England region, specifically in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. The town is surrounded by other towns such as Hanson to the north, Pembroke to the northeast, Plympton to the southeast, Middleborough to the southwest, and Bridgewater to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Halifax has a population of approximately 7,500 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller communities of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Halifax is around 44 years, and there is a near-equal distribution of males and females.
🏛️ History
Halifax was first settled by Europeans in 1669, around the time when the region was part of the Plymouth Colony. It was officially incorporated as a town in 1734. The town was named after Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. Throughout its history, Halifax has been primarily a farming and cranberry harvesting community. It has also seen some industrial development, particularly in the 19th century with the rise of mills and factories.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Halifax is known for its scenic beauty, characterized by numerous ponds, streams, and forests. The town is home to Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area, a large conservation area perfect for bird watching, fishing, and hiking. The presence of Silver Lake and the Monponsett Ponds also provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and maintaining its rural character.
🏫 Education
Education in Halifax is managed by the Halifax Elementary School District and the Silver Lake Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Halifax Elementary School, for students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Students in grades 7 to 12 attend Silver Lake Regional Middle School and Silver Lake Regional High School, which are located in the neighboring town of Kingston.
🚧 Transportation
Halifax is served by a number of major roads, including Massachusetts Route 36, Route 58, and Route 106. The town is also accessible by rail, with the Halifax MBTA station providing commuter rail service to Boston. The nearest airport is Plymouth Municipal Airport, located about 13 miles away, while the larger Logan International Airport in Boston is approximately 40 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Halifax is known for its annual Halifax Day, a community celebration that includes a parade, food, music, and fireworks. The town also hosts an annual Harvest Fair and Art Festival. A fun fact about Halifax is that it was the filming location for the 1981 movie “The House by the Lake”.