📍 Location & Geography
Rutland is a town in Worcester County, located in the central part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town is spread over a total area of 36.4 square miles, of which 35.3 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water. Rutland is bordered by Princeton on the east, Paxton on the south, Oakham on the west, and Hubbardston and Westminster on the north.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Rutland, Massachusetts, are approximately 42°22′22″N latitude and 71°56′45″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rutland is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts. It is located in the central part of the state, approximately 13 miles northwest of the city of Worcester and about 52 miles west of Boston. The town covers an area of 36.4 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the town of Rutland has a population of approximately 9,200 residents. The population is predominantly white, making up about 97% of the total population. The remaining 3% is a mix of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Rutland is around 39 years.
🏛️ History
Rutland was first settled in 1686 as Naquag. Later, it was officially incorporated as Rutland in 1722. The town is known for being the geographical center of Massachusetts. It also has historical significance as it was the site of the imprisonment of Nipmuc Indians during King Philip’s War in 1675-76.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rutland is home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas. The Rutland State Park offers hiking, fishing, and picnic areas. The town is also home to the Central Tree, which is recognized as the geographical center of Massachusetts. The environment is characterized by a mix of suburban and rural landscapes, with many forests, fields, and wetlands.
🏫 Education
Education in Rutland is administered by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Glenwood Elementary, and one middle school, Central Tree Middle School. High school students attend Wachusett Regional High School located in the neighboring town of Holden.
🚧 Transportation
Rutland is served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) which provides bus service to the town. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 16 miles southeast of Rutland. Major highways serving Rutland include Massachusetts Route 122A and Massachusetts Route 56.
📜 Trivia & Events
Rutland is known for its annual Fourth of July celebration, which is one of the biggest in central Massachusetts. The town also hosts the Rutland Agricultural Commission’s Farmers Market, which runs from June to October. In addition, Rutland is home to Heifer International’s Overlook Farm, a learning center that offers programs about sustainable agriculture and global hunger issues.