📍 Location & Geography
Wendell is a small town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It is situated in the northeast part of the county and is bordered by the towns of New Salem to the northeast, Shutesbury to the southeast, Leverett to the south, Montague to the west, and Erving to the northwest. Wendell State Forest covers a significant portion of the town, offering a rich natural landscape of rolling hills and dense forests.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Wendell, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5519° N latitude and 72.3995° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Wendell is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 32.2 square miles (83.4 km²), of which 32.0 square miles (82.9 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2010, Wendell had a population of 848 residents. The town’s population density was 26.5 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Wendell was first settled in 1781 and was officially incorporated in 1784. The town was named after Judge Oliver Wendell, a prominent Bostonian and one of the founding members of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Wendell’s history is closely tied to agriculture, with many of its early settlers being farmers.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Wendell is home to the Wendell State Forest, a 7,566-acre forested area that offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The town is also part of the Millers River watershed, which provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
🏫 Education
Education in Wendell is managed by the Pioneer Valley Regional School District. The town itself is home to the Wendell Free Library, which provides educational resources and community programs to residents.
🚧 Transportation
Wendell is primarily served by state routes 2 and 63 for transportation. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 60 miles away. Public transportation in the town is provided by the Franklin Regional Transit Authority.
📜 Trivia & Events
Wendell is known for its annual “Old Home Day” celebration, a community event that includes a parade, music, food, and various activities. The town is also home to the Deja Brew Café and Pub, a popular local spot that hosts live music and other events. Wendell was also the location for the 2008 independent film “Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo.”