📍 Location & Geography
Montague is a town located in the state of Massachusetts, specifically in Franklin County. The town is situated in the north-central part of the state and is bordered by the towns of Greenfield, Deerfield, Sunderland, Leverett, Wendell, and Erving. The town is divided into five distinct villages: Montague Center, Montague City, Turners Falls, Millers Falls, and Lake Pleasant. The Connecticut River runs along the town’s eastern border.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Montague are approximately 42.5356° N latitude and 72.5356° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Montague is part of the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, a region known for its fertile farmland along the Connecticut River. The town covers a total area of approximately 31.5 square miles, of which 30.2 square miles is land and 1.3 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of Montague was 8,437. The population is fairly diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age in the town is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Montague was first settled by Europeans in 1715 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1754. The town was named after Captain William Montague, who was a distinguished British soldier. The town played a significant role in the industrial revolution with its numerous mills powered by the local waterways.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Montague is home to a rich natural environment, with the Connecticut River and several brooks providing habitats for various species of wildlife. The town also boasts the Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area, a unique inland pine barrens environment that supports a variety of rare plant and animal species.
🏫 Education
Education in Montague is managed by the Gill-Montague Regional School District, which includes Montague Elementary School, Sheffield Elementary School, Great Falls Middle School, and Turners Falls High School. For higher education, the town is in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
🚧 Transportation
Montague is served by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Massachusetts Route 63. Public transportation is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus routes in the area. The nearest airport is Westover Metropolitan Airport, located about 30 miles south of the town.
📜 Trivia & Events
Montague is known for the annual Montague Old Home Days, a community event featuring a parade, live music, and local food vendors. The town is also home to the Bookmill, a popular bookstore housed in a 19th-century gristmill, which is a favorite spot among locals and tourists for its unique setting and extensive selection of books.