📍 Location & Geography
Taunton is a city located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state and is approximately 40 miles south of Boston and 18 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island. The city covers a total area of 48.4 square miles, of which 46.4 square miles is land and 2.0 square miles is water. Taunton is known as the “Silver City” due to its historic role in the silver industry.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Taunton, Massachusetts are approximately 41.9 degrees North latitude and 71.1 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Taunton is part of the Greater Boston area and is also considered part of the Providence metropolitan area. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Whittenton, Weir Village, East Taunton, and North Taunton. The Taunton River flows through the city, providing a significant waterway for the region.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city of Taunton had a population of approximately 57,464 people. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, African American, Asian, and other races. The median age of residents in Taunton is around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Taunton was founded by members of the Plymouth Colony in 1637, making it one of the oldest towns in the United States. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1864. Taunton played a significant role in the early silver industry in the 19th century, with several companies established in the city. It also has a rich industrial history with iron works playing a significant role in its development.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
The city of Taunton is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Massasoit State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The Taunton River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, provides opportunities for boating and wildlife observation. The city is also part of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion, which features unique plant and animal species.
🏫 Education
Taunton is served by the Taunton Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and Taunton High School. The city is also home to Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School and Coyle and Cassidy High School. Higher education is provided by Bristol Community College’s Taunton campus.
🚧 Transportation
The city is served by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), which provides bus service within the city and to surrounding communities. Taunton is also accessible via several major highways, including Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 44. The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately 30 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Taunton is known for its annual “Lights On” Christmas festival, which features a display of holiday lights in the city’s downtown area. The city also hosts the annual Taunton River Festival, a celebration of the city’s river and its importance to the community. Trivia-wise, Taunton is home to the oldest public library in the United States, the Taunton Public Library, which was founded in 1867.