📍 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.”