📍 Location & Geography
Rehoboth is a charming town located in Bristol County, in the southeastern part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is approximately 40 miles south of Boston and 20 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island. Rehoboth spans an area of 46.8 square miles, of which 46.5 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The town is characterized by its rural feel and is predominantly made up of farmland and residential areas.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Rehoboth, Massachusetts are approximately 41.8404° N latitude and 71.2495° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rehoboth is part of the Providence metropolitan area and falls within the New England region of the U.S. The town is bordered by Seekonk and Attleboro to the north, Norton to the northeast, Taunton and Dighton to the east, Swansea to the south, and Barrington and East Providence, Rhode Island, to the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Rehoboth had a population of approximately 12,182. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant proportion of families and retirees. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Rehoboth was first established in 1643, originally by settlers from Plymouth Colony seeking to expand their settlement. The town was incorporated in 1745. The name Rehoboth is of Hebrew origin and means “broad spaces.” It has a rich history, with notable events including King Philip’s War, a major conflict between Native Americans and settlers in the 17th century. The town is also known for its historical architecture, with numerous buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rehoboth is home to several parks and nature reserves, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, open fields, and numerous water bodies. The Shad Factory Pond Conservation Area and the Rehoboth State Forest are popular destinations for hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
🏫 Education
Rehoboth is served by the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, which includes Dighton and Rehoboth. The district operates four schools: Dighton Elementary School, Dighton Middle School, Palmer River Elementary School, and Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
🚧 Transportation
Rehoboth is conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 195, Route 44, and Route 6, providing easy access to Boston, Providence, and other major cities. The town does not have its own public transit system, but residents can access bus service through the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA).
📜 Trivia & Events
Rehoboth is known for its annual agricultural fair, the Rehoboth Agricultural Fair, which has been a tradition since 1976. The fair features livestock shows, arts and crafts, food vendors, and entertainment. The town also hosts the Carpenter Museum, which offers exhibits on local history and culture. Rehoboth was featured in a 2018 episode of the TV show “American Pickers.”