📍 Location & Geography
Upton is a town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 35 miles west of Boston. The town covers a total area of 21.7 square miles, of which 21.5 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water. The town’s terrain is primarily hilly and wooded, with several streams and bodies of water scattered throughout.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Upton are approximately 42.1751° N latitude and 71.6034° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Upton is part of the New England region of the United States, specifically in the central part of Massachusetts. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Grafton to the northeast, Northbridge to the southeast, Milford to the south, Hopkinton to the west, and Westborough to the north.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Upton has a population of approximately 7,860 people. The population consists of a diverse age group, with a median age of 42.1 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a smaller percentage of Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Upton was first settled in 1728 and was officially incorporated in 1735. The town was named after the Upton family, who were early settlers. The town’s early economy was primarily based on agriculture, but it later developed into a mill town with the construction of several mills along the West River and Mill Pond.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Upton is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Upton State Forest, a 2,660-acre forest that offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The town also has several bodies of water, including Pratt Pond and Wildwood Lake, which provide opportunities for fishing and boating.
🏫 Education
Upton is served by the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, which includes Memorial Elementary School, Miscoe Hill Middle School, and Nipmuc Regional High School. The town also has a public library, the Upton Town Library, which provides a variety of resources and programs for residents of all ages.
🚧 Transportation
Upton is accessible by several major roads, including Massachusetts Route 140, which runs north-south through the town, and Massachusetts Route 135, which runs east-west. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but it is served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service to surrounding areas. The nearest train station is in neighboring Grafton, which provides commuter rail service to Boston.
📜 Trivia & Events
Upton is known for its annual Upton Bloomer Girls Carnival, a community event that features games, food, and entertainment. The town also hosts the Upton Men’s Club Fishing Derby at Pratt Pond each year. One notable resident of Upton was William Knowlton, the former CEO of the Fortune 500 company, Norton Company.