📍 Location & Geography
Sunderland is a town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated along the Connecticut River in the Pioneer Valley region of Western Massachusetts. Sunderland is bordered by Montague to the north, Leverett to the east, Amherst to the south, and Deerfield and Whately to the west. The town has a total area of 14.7 square miles, of which 13.9 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Sunderland, Massachusetts, are approximately 42.47 degrees north latitude and 72.58 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Sunderland is part of the Pioneer Valley region, a sub-region of Western Massachusetts. The town is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is primarily rural with some residential development.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Sunderland had a population of approximately 3,684 residents. The majority of the population is Caucasian, with a significant percentage of Asian and Hispanic residents. The median age in Sunderland is around 24 years, which is considerably lower than the Massachusetts state average, due to the presence of many college students in the area.
🏛️ History
Sunderland was first settled in 1713 and was officially incorporated in 1718. The town was named after Charles Spencer, the Earl of Sunderland. Sunderland was primarily an agricultural community, with fertile soil and abundant crops. The Buttonball Tree, an American sycamore famous for its age and size, is a symbol of the town’s rich agricultural history.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Sunderland is home to Mount Toby State Forest, a popular destination for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The town is also known for its scenic beauty, with the Connecticut River and abundant farmland providing picturesque landscapes. The town is committed to preserving its natural resources and has several conservation areas.
🏫 Education
Sunderland is part of the Frontier Regional and Union 38 School Districts. The town has one elementary school, Sunderland Elementary School. Middle and high school students attend Frontier Regional School in neighboring Deerfield. Sunderland is also in close proximity to several higher education institutions, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Smith College.
🚧 Transportation
Route 116 and Route 47 are the main highways passing through Sunderland. The town is served by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), which provides bus service to surrounding towns. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Amherst, about 6 miles to the south. The closest airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 45 miles to the south.
📜 Trivia & Events
Sunderland is known for its annual fall festival, which features a parade, crafts, food, and music. The town is also home to the Buttonball Tree, an American sycamore that is estimated to be over 350 years old and is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. In 2012, Sunderland celebrated its 300th anniversary with a series of events and commemorations.