📍 Location & Geography
Swansea is a town located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is positioned on the southeastern edge of the state, approximately 47 miles south of Boston and 12 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island. Swansea is bordered by the towns of Rehoboth, Somerset, and Dighton, and by the city of Fall River. The town covers a total area of 25.5 square miles, of which 23.1 square miles is land and 2.4 square miles is water. Swansea is primarily a suburban community with a landscape that includes a mix of open fields, woodlands, and residential areas.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Swansea, Massachusetts are approximately 41.7481° N latitude and 71.1898° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Swansea is part of the New England region of the United States. It falls within the Providence metropolitan area, which extends into Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The town is divided into several villages including Ocean Grove, Swansea Village, and Hortonville.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Swansea has a population of approximately 16,263 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.4 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, accounting for around 97% of the population, followed by Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Swansea was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag Native American tribe. The town was established by English settlers in 1667 and was named after Swansea in Wales, United Kingdom. Swansea played a significant role in the King Philip’s War, a major Native American uprising against the colonists. The town was incorporated in 1785 and developed as an agricultural and manufacturing community. Today, Swansea retains its historical charm while also offering modern amenities and services.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Swansea is home to several parks and recreational areas. The Swansea Town Beach offers a place for residents to enjoy the outdoors with facilities for swimming, picnicking, and boating. The town also has several conservation areas such as the Swansea Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides habitats for a variety of local wildlife. Swansea’s environment is characterized by its coastal features, including the Palmer River and the Mount Hope Bay.
🏫 Education
Education in Swansea is managed by the Swansea Public Schools district. The district operates four schools: Gardner Elementary School, Elizabeth S. Brown Elementary School, Joseph Case Junior High School, and Joseph Case High School. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including Bristol Community College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Swansea is primarily by car, with easy access to Interstate 195, which provides connections to Providence and Boston. The town is also served by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA), which provides public bus services to surrounding communities. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, which is about 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Swansea is known for its annual Apple Peach Festival, a community event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with fresh local produce, crafts, and entertainment. The town was also the location of the first successful armed resistance to the British during the Revolutionary War, which took place at the Martin Luther Farm.