📍 Location & Geography
Wareham is a town located in Plymouth County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the south coast of Massachusetts, bordered by Bourne to the east, Marion to the south, Middleborough to the west, and Carver and Plymouth to the north. The town covers a total area of 46.3 square miles, of which 35.8 square miles is land and 10.5 square miles is water. The town’s geography is characterized by numerous bodies of water including the Wareham River, Weweantic River, and Buzzards Bay.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Wareham are approximately 41.76 degrees north latitude and 70.72 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Wareham is part of the South Shore region of Massachusetts and is often referred to as the “Gateway to Cape Cod” due to its location at the head of the Cape Cod Canal. The town is divided into several villages including Wareham Village, West Wareham, East Wareham, and Onset.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Wareham was approximately 22,000. The population is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age in the town is around 44 years. The town has a slightly higher percentage of females (approximately 52%) compared to males.
🏛️ History
Wareham was first settled by Europeans in 1678 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1739. The town was named after the town of Wareham in England. Wareham’s early economy was based on agriculture, fishing, and shipbuilding. In the 19th century, the town became a popular summer resort destination, a reputation it still holds today.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Wareham is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring numerous beaches, ponds, and parks. The town is home to the Myles Standish State Forest, the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts. Wareham also has several conservation areas, including the Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wareham Land Trust.
🏫 Education
Wareham is served by the Wareham Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Wareham High School. The town is also home to the private, co-educational, college preparatory school, Tabor Academy. For higher education, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is located nearby in Buzzards Bay.
🚧 Transportation
Wareham is accessible by several major highways including Interstate 495, U.S. Route 6, and Massachusetts Route 28. The town is also served by the CapeFLYER, a seasonal passenger train that connects Boston to Cape Cod. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, located about 20 miles to the west.
📜 Trivia & Events
Wareham is known for its annual summer events, including the Wareham Oyster Festival and the Onset Blues Festival. The town is also home to the Tremont Nail Factory, one of the oldest nail manufacturers in the U.S., which is now a historic district. Wareham was also the filming location for the 2001 movie “Shallow Hal.”