📍 Location & Geography
Holliston is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, approximately 21 miles west of Boston. The town occupies a total area of 18.7 square miles, of which 18.3 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Holliston, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2° N latitude and 71.4° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Holliston is part of the Greater Boston area, within the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town is nestled within Middlesex County, the most populous county in Massachusetts and the 22nd most populous county in the nation. Holliston is surrounded by the towns of Sherborn to the east, Milford to the south, Hopkinton to the west, and Ashland to the north.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Holliston had a population of approximately 14,800 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of families and young professionals. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Asian, African American, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Holliston is around 42 years.
🏛️ History
Holliston was first settled by Europeans in 1659 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1724. It was named after Thomas Hollis of London, a benefactor of Harvard University. The town was primarily an agricultural community until the late 19th century when it became a major producer of boots and shoes. In the 20th century, Holliston transitioned into a residential suburb for Boston and its surrounding cities.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Holliston is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring numerous parks, trails, and bodies of water. The town is home to the 89-acre Weston Pond and the 23-acre Pleasure Point. It also features the Upper Charles Trail, a multi-use trail that, when completed, will span 25 miles. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has a number of conservation lands.
🏫 Education
Education in Holliston is managed by the Holliston Public Schools district. The district includes four schools: Sam Placentino Elementary School, Fred W. Miller Elementary School, Robert H. Adams Middle School, and Holliston High School. Holliston High School is well-regarded and has been recognized for its strong academic and extracurricular programs.
🚧 Transportation
Holliston is served by a number of major roads, including Massachusetts Route 16 and Massachusetts Route 126. While the town does not have its own MBTA train station, residents can access nearby stations in Ashland and Framingham for commuter rail service to Boston. The town is also within a reasonable driving distance of Logan International Airport in Boston and T.F. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island.
📜 Trivia & Events
Holliston is known for its annual Celebrate Holliston Day, a community event featuring a parade, live music, food, and various activities. The town is also home to the Holliston Historical Society, which operates a museum in a restored 18th-century house. Additionally, Holliston was the setting for the television series “Holliston,” a horror-comedy show that aired on the FEARnet cable network.