📍 Location & Geography
Hanson is a charming town located in Plymouth County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is approximately 23 miles south of Boston and 12 miles north of Plymouth. The town covers an area of 15.7 square miles, of which 15.0 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles, or 4.58%, is water. Hanson is surrounded by the towns of Whitman, Pembroke, Halifax, and Hanover.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Hanson, Massachusetts are approximately 42.0751° N latitude and 70.8800° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Hanson is part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts, a region that stretches south and east from Boston toward Cape Cod along the shores of Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay. It is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town’s total area is 15.7 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Hanson has a population of approximately 10,500 residents. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Hanson is around 42 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of females to males.
🏛️ History
Hanson was first settled in 1632 as the western parish of Pembroke. The town was officially incorporated in 1820 and was named after Alexander Contee Hanson, an American newspaper publisher and U.S. Senator from Maryland. The town’s early industry revolved around farming, as well as iron production and shoe making. The historical buildings and sites in Hanson reflect its rich history and charm.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Hanson is home to several ponds, brooks, and parks, offering a variety of recreational activities. The largest pond in town is Oldham Pond to the north. The Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area is a significant environmental and recreational asset in the town. Hanson is also home to Camp Kiwanee, a recreation and outdoor area with a beautiful lake and cabins.
🏫 Education
Education in Hanson is managed by the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Indian Head School, and one middle school, Hanson Middle School. High school students attend Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, located in the neighboring town of Whitman. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Hanson is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which provides commuter rail service from Hanson station on the Kingston/Plymouth line to Boston’s South Station. Major roads in Hanson include Massachusetts Route 14, 27, 58, and 139. The nearest airport is Plymouth Municipal Airport, while larger Logan International Airport in Boston is about 30 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Hanson is known for its annual Cranberry Harvest Festival, which celebrates the town’s historic cranberry farming industry. The town is also home to the historic Plymouth County Hospital, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hanson was once the home of Ocean Spray’s headquarters before it moved to Lakeville.