📍 Location & Geography
Webster is a town located in Worcester County in the state of Massachusetts, United States. The town covers a total area of 14.5 square miles, of which 12.5 square miles is land and 2.0 square miles is water. Webster is situated in the south-central part of Massachusetts and is bordered by Dudley to the west, Oxford to the north, and Douglas to the east. The southern part of the town is bordered by Thompson, Connecticut.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Webster, Massachusetts are approximately 42.05 degrees north latitude and 71.88 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Webster is part of the South Central region of Massachusetts, within Worcester County. The town has a total area of 14.5 square miles, making it a small to medium-sized town. It is part of the larger Worcester metropolitan area and is approximately 18 miles south of Worcester city center.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Webster was approximately 16,893. The town has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age in Webster is around 41 years. The gender distribution is fairly even, with slightly more females than males.
🏛️ History
Webster was first settled in 1713 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1832. The town was named after statesman Daniel Webster. It was primarily an industrial town in its early years, with numerous mills and factories established along the local rivers. The town has since transitioned into a more residential and commercial area, while still retaining some of its industrial roots.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Webster is home to Lake Chaubunagungamaug, also known as Webster Lake, which is a major feature of the town. The lake is known for its long name, which is often cited as the longest place name in the United States. The town also has several parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The climate in Webster is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
🏫 Education
Webster’s public school system is managed by the Webster Public Schools district, which operates several schools in the town, including Park Avenue Elementary, Webster Middle School, and Bartlett High School. For higher education, the nearby city of Worcester offers several colleges and universities.
🚧 Transportation
Webster is served by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), which provides bus service to the town. The town is also located near several major highways, including Interstate 395 and Route 12, providing easy access to other parts of the state and region. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles north of the town.
📜 Trivia & Events
Webster is famous for Lake Chaubunagungamaug, which has one of the longest place names in the United States. The full name of the lake is Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, which is often cited as the longest place name in the United States and one of the longest in the world. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Summerfest and the Webster Lake Association’s Winter Carnival.