📍 Location & Geography
Middleboro, also known as Middleborough, is a town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 38 miles south of Boston and 20 miles west of Plymouth. The town covers an area of approximately 72.2 square miles, making it the second-largest town by land area in Massachusetts.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Middleboro are 41.8934° N latitude and 70.9113° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Middleboro is part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts, an area that stretches south and east from Boston toward Cape Cod. The town is surrounded by various bodies of water including the Nemasket River and several ponds such as Assawompset Pond and Great Quittacas Pond. The town’s land area is predominantly rural and residential, with a mix of forests, farmlands, and wetlands.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Middleboro had a population of approximately 24,000 residents. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median age of residents is around 40 years, and the town has a roughly equal distribution of males and females.
🏛️ History
Middleboro was first settled by Europeans in 1661 and officially incorporated as a town in 1669. The town’s name is derived from its location midway between the old towns of Plymouth and Taunton. Middleboro has a rich history, with significant contributions to the industrial revolution in the 19th century, particularly in the shoe manufacturing industry. The town is also known for its cranberry cultivation, which continues to this day.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Middleboro is home to a variety of natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and ponds. The town is part of the Taunton River Watershed, which supports a diverse range of wildlife. The Assawompset Pond Complex, located in the town, is the largest natural freshwater system in Massachusetts. Middleboro also has several parks and conservation areas, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
🏫 Education
Middleboro is served by the Middleborough Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Middleborough High School. The town is also home to the co-educational, independent day and boarding school, the Chamberlain International School. For higher education, Massasoit Community College has a satellite campus in Middleboro.
🚧 Transportation
Middleboro is served by several major highways, including Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 44. The town is also a part of the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) which provides public bus service. The Middleborough/Lakeville station, located in Middleboro, is the southern terminus of the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Middleborough/Lakeville Line, providing direct rail service to Boston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Middleboro is known for its annual Krazy Days festival, a two-day downtown street fair that features local vendors, entertainment, and activities. The town is also home to the Tom Thumb House, a historic site where P. T. Barnum’s famous performer, General Tom Thumb, was married in 1863. Additionally, Middleboro has been a significant site for cranberry cultivation for over a century, with several cranberry bogs still in operation today.