📍 Location & Geography
Rutland is a town located in Worcester County in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is situated 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 encompasses a total area of 36.4 square miles, of which 35.3 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Rutland, Massachusetts are approximately 42°22′22″N latitude and 71°57′58″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rutland is part of the Worcester County in Massachusetts, which is in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town is the geographical center of Massachusetts. It is surrounded by the towns of Paxton, Oakham, Hubbardston, Princeton, Sterling, and Holden.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Rutland was approximately 8,400. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other ethnic backgrounds. The median age in Rutland is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Rutland was first settled in 1666 as Naquag. Later, it was officially incorporated as Rutland in 1713. The town is noted for being the site of the imprisonment of Nipmuc Indian Chief Metacomet (also known as King Philip) during King Philip’s War. In the 19th century, Rutland was primarily an agricultural community, but it also had a thriving industry in the production of shoes, clothing, and woodenware.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rutland is known for its beautiful rural landscape, which includes rolling hills, open fields, and abundant woodlands. The town is home to Rutland State Park, a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The park also includes Whitehall Pond and a portion of the Ware River. The town is also part of the larger Central Massachusetts biodiversity region, which supports a diverse range of plant and animal species.
🏫 Education
Rutland is part of the Wachusett Regional School District, which also serves the surrounding towns of Holden, Paxton, Princeton, and Sterling. The town has several public schools, including Naquag Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and Central Tree Middle School. High school students attend Wachusett Regional High School located in Holden.
🚧 Transportation
Rutland is served by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 122A, Massachusetts Route 56, and Massachusetts Route 122. The town is approximately 20 minutes from Worcester Regional Airport and about an hour from Boston Logan International Airport. Public transportation in the area is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Rutland hosts a number of community events, including the Rutland Fire Brigade’s Annual Fourth of July Chicken BBQ, a Memorial Day Parade, and the Rutland Agricultural Commission’s Fall Festival. The town is also known for its annual Fourth of July celebration, which is one of the oldest in the country. Rutland is also famous for being the birthplace of the national holiday, Memorial Day, which was first observed in 1868.