📍 Location & Geography
Spencer is a charming town situated in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located approximately 20 miles west of Worcester and nearly 45 miles east of Springfield. The town encompasses a total area of 34 square miles, of which 32.8 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water. The landscape of Spencer is characterized by hills and valleys, with the Seven Mile River running through it.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Spencer, Massachusetts are approximately 42.2443° N latitude and 71.9923° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Spencer is part of the Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts. It is part of the larger New England region, located in the northeastern part of the United States. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Leicester to the east, Paxton to the northeast, Oakham to the north, East Brookfield to the west, and Charlton to the south.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Spencer was approximately 12,140. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of the population being African American, Asian, and Hispanic. The median age in Spencer is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Spencer was first settled in 1717 by Nathaniel Wood, and officially incorporated as a town in 1753. It was named after the then-acting governor of Massachusetts, Spencer Phips. The town has a rich industrial history, with its economy initially centered around agriculture before transitioning to manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Spencer was known for its production of shoes and textiles.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Spencer is home to several parks and natural attractions. The Spencer State Forest is a popular destination, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beach. The town also has several bodies of water, including Stiles Reservoir and Lake Whittemore. The Seven Mile River, which runs through the town, provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
🏫 Education
The town of Spencer is served by the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District. It includes three schools: Wire Village School for grades K-4, Knox Trail Middle School for grades 5-6, and David Prouty High School for grades 7-12. Additionally, there are private school options in the area.
🚧 Transportation
Spencer is primarily served by road transportation. Major roads include Route 9, Route 31, and Route 49. The town is also within driving distance of Worcester Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. Public transportation is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, with bus service connecting Spencer to Worcester and other nearby towns.
📜 Trivia & Events
Spencer is known for its annual town fair, which takes place on Labor Day weekend and features agricultural exhibits, craft displays, live entertainment, and a parade. The town is also home to Saint Joseph’s Abbey, a community of Trappist monks known for their production of Trappist Preserves.