📍 Location & Geography
Wales is a small town located in the county of Hampden, in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the eastern part of the county, along the border with Worcester County. The town covers a total area of 16.0 square miles, of which, 15.7 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The landscape of Wales is hilly and heavily forested, with several streams running through the town.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Wales, Massachusetts are approximately 42°4′20″N latitude and 72°13′25″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Wales is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is the third largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts. The town is bordered by Brimfield to the east, Holland to the south, Stafford, Connecticut to the west, and Monson to the north.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2010 Census, the population of Wales was 1,838. The town is predominantly White, making up over 97% of the population. The remaining population is composed of a mix of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Wales is around 44 years, slightly higher than the national average.
🏛️ History
Wales was first settled in 1726 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1775. It was originally named South Brimfield, but was renamed Wales in 1828, in honor of James Lawrence Wales, a local benefactor. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with some small industry located along the streams.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Wales is known for its natural beauty, with its hilly terrain and abundant forests. The town is home to several bodies of water, including Lake George, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, a 2,000-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature center, is located just east of the town.
🏫 Education
Education in Wales is managed by the Tantasqua Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Wales Elementary School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 4. Students in grades 5-12 attend schools in the neighboring town of Sturbridge.
🚧 Transportation
Wales is accessible by road, with Massachusetts Route 19 being the main thoroughfare running through the town. The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 40 miles away. There is no public transportation service in Wales, so residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, the town of Wales celebrates Wales Days, a weekend-long event featuring a parade, craft fair, and various community activities. The town is also known for its historical architecture, with several 18th and 19th-century homes and buildings still standing.