The Big List of Cities

The Big List

  • Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Shelburne Falls is a historic village located in the town of Shelburne in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in Franklin County and is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village straddles the Deerfield River, which divides the town of Shelburne from the town of Buckland.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Shelburne Falls are approximately 42.6043° N latitude and 72.7392° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Shelburne Falls is located in the western part of Massachusetts, in the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of 26.4 square miles, of which 25.9 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water. The village is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Shelburne Falls is a village, it does not have a separate population count from the towns of Shelburne and Buckland. However, as of the 2010 census, the town of Shelburne had a population of 1,893 and Buckland had a population of 1,902. The demographics of the area are predominantly white, with a small percentage of the population being of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other ethnic backgrounds.

    🏛️ History

    Shelburne Falls was established in 1768 and was originally known as Deerfield River. The village was named after William Petty, the second Earl of Shelburne, a British statesman. The village grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the expansion of the railroad and the thriving local industries, including tool manufacturing and textile mills.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shelburne Falls is known for its picturesque natural beauty. The village is home to the famous Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge now covered with a garden of flowers that attracts tourists from around the world. The Glacial Potholes, a geological feature formed during the last Ice Age, is another popular natural attraction in the area.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Shelburne Falls is provided by the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. The village has one elementary school, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Mohawk Trail Regional High School located in Buckland.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shelburne Falls is accessible by Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Route 112. The closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 60 miles away. The village does not have a railroad station, but Amtrak service is available in nearby Greenfield.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Shelburne Falls is known for its annual events such as the Bridge of Flowers Classic Road Race and the Iron Bridge Dinner, where residents and visitors dine together on the Iron Bridge. The village has also been a filming location for several movies, including “The Judge” and “Labor Day”.

  • Royalston, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Royalston is a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the New Hampshire border. The town covers a total area of 42.5 square miles, of which 42.2 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. Royalston is characterized by hilly terrain and is home to several bodies of water including Tully Lake and Royalston Falls.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Royalston, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.68 degrees north latitude and 72.20 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Royalston is part of the New England region of the U.S., specifically in the northeastern part of Massachusetts. It falls within the Worcester County. The town is surrounded by several towns including Athol to the west, Phillipston to the south, and Winchendon to the east.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Royalston was approximately 1,250. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 45 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Royalston was first settled in 1762 and was officially incorporated in 1765. The town was named after Isaac Royall, a loyalist who fled to England during the American Revolutionary War. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character and historical charm, with numerous historical buildings and sites scattered throughout the area.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Royalston is known for its natural beauty, with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities available. The town is home to several nature reserves, including the Royalston Falls Natural Area, which features a stunning 45-foot waterfall. Tully Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The town is also part of the North Quabbin Bioreserve, an area dedicated to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Royalston is managed by the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Royalston Community School. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the nearby town of Athol. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State University.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Royalston primarily relies on road networks, with Route 68 and Route 32 serving as the main thoroughfares. The town is about 30 miles from the Fitchburg Municipal Airport, the closest airport. Public transportation is limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Every year, Royalston hosts a variety of community events, including the Royalston Fall Festival and the Royalston Arts Foundry’s Art Show. The town is also home to the Phinehas S. Newton Library, which is one of the oldest libraries in the country, established in 1882. Additionally, Royalston was the filming location for a few scenes in the 2019 movie “Little Women.”

  • Rowe, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Rowe is a small town located in Franklin County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is nestled in the northwestern part of Massachusetts, bordering Vermont. Rowe covers a total area of approximately 24 square miles, of which 0.4 square miles is water. The town is characterized by hilly terrain, with the highest point being at Todd Mountain.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Rowe are approximately 42.6937° N latitude and 72.8994° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Rowe is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated in the rural area of Franklin County and is surrounded by the towns of Monroe to the north, Florida to the east, Charlemont to the south, and Heath to the west. The town is approximately 100 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Rowe was 393, making it one of the smallest towns in the county. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 50.6 years. The majority of the population is Caucasian, with a small percentage of other ethnicities.

    🏛️ History

    Rowe was first settled in 1762 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1785. The town was named after John Rowe, a prominent Boston merchant. Rowe was primarily an agricultural community, but it also had a significant role in the early industrial era with the establishment of a mill in the town. The Yankee Atomic Electric Company, one of the first nuclear power plants in the United States, was also located in Rowe.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Rowe is known for its scenic beauty and natural resources. The town is home to the Pelham Lake Park which offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The town is also the site of the Bear Swamp Hydroelectric Power Station, which is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Rowe is managed by the Rowe School District. The town has one elementary school, Rowe Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through 6th grade. For secondary education, students typically attend schools in the nearby towns.

    🚧 Transportation

    Due to its rural location, Rowe is primarily accessible by road. The main route through the town is Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail. The nearest airport is Albany International Airport in New York, approximately 65 miles away.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    The town of Rowe hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Rowe Town Fair, which features a parade, games, and food. Additionally, Rowe is home to the Rowe Historical Society, which maintains the Kemp-McCarthy Museum, showcasing the town’s rich history and heritage.

  • Petersham, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Petersham is a charming town located in Worcester County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the central part of the state. It is surrounded by the towns of Athol, Phillipston, Barre, Hardwick, New Salem, and Orange. The town covers a total area of 68.3 square miles, of which 66.9 square miles is land and 1.4 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Petersham, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.49° N latitude and 72.19° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Petersham is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts. It is nestled in the North Quabbin region of the state. The town is predominantly rural with a mix of rolling hills, open fields, and extensive forests, providing a picturesque New England setting.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the 2020 U.S. Census, Petersham has a population of approximately 1,234 residents. The town has a diverse age group, with a median age of 45 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races.

    🏛️ History

    Petersham was first settled by Europeans in 1733 and was officially incorporated in 1754. The town was named after the English estate of the family of Governor William Shirley’s wife. Petersham played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. The town’s historical district, which includes over 200 buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Petersham is known for its beautiful natural environment. The town is home to the Quabbin Reservoir, one of the largest man-made public water supplies in the United States. The town also boasts several conservation areas, including the Harvard Forest, owned by Harvard University, which offers numerous trails for hiking and nature study.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Petersham is managed by the Petersham Center School, which serves students from kindergarten to sixth grade. For secondary education, students typically attend schools in the nearby towns. Petersham is also home to the Eagle Hill School, a private, co-educational college preparatory boarding school.

    🚧 Transportation

    Petersham is served by Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Route 32. The town is not serviced directly by any rail or bus lines, but these services can be accessed in nearby towns. The closest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 35 miles to the southeast.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Petersham hosts several annual events, including the Old Home Day, a celebration of the town’s history and community. The town is also known for its traditional Fourth of July celebration. Petersham is the site of the Fisher Museum, which houses a series of 23 dioramas that depict the history, conservation, and management of central New England forests.

  • Orange, Massachusetts

    📍 Location & Geography

    Orange is a town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 90 miles west of Boston. The town is nestled in the valley of the Millers River, a tributary of the Connecticut River. The terrain of Orange is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and water bodies, including Tully Lake and Lake Mattawa.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Orange, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5929° N latitude and 72.3046° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Orange is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 36 square miles (93.2 km²), of which 35.2 square miles (91.2 km²) is land and 0.8 square miles (2 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Orange has a population of approximately 7,839 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, or other races. The median age in Orange is around 44 years.

    🏛️ History

    Orange was first settled in 1746 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1810. It was named in honor of William, Prince of Orange. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Orange was a thriving industrial town with several manufacturing industries, including the New Home Sewing Machine Company. The town’s rich industrial history is preserved in several historic sites and buildings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Orange is home to a variety of natural attractions. The town is surrounded by state forests and conservation areas, including the Orange State Forest and the Tully Lake Recreation Area. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The Millers River and its tributaries provide habitats for various wildlife species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Orange is managed by the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. The town has several public schools, including Fisher Hill Elementary School, Dexter Park Innovation School, and Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School. Orange also has a public library, the Wheeler Memorial Library.

    🚧 Transportation

    Orange is served by several major roads, including Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, and Route 202. The town also has a local bus service operated by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. The Orange Municipal Airport provides general aviation services.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Orange is known for its annual Orange Harvest Festival, a community event featuring local food, crafts, and entertainment. The town is also home to the Orange Historical Society, which hosts exhibits and events related to the town’s history. One interesting piece of trivia is that Orange was the first town in the world to be created by a “plan on paper”. The plan was drawn up in 1734, and the town was built according to this plan.