📍 Location & Geography
Westminster is a beautiful town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the north-central part of the state, surrounded by the towns of Ashburnham to the north, Gardner to the west, Hubbardston to the southwest, Princeton to the southeast, and Leominster to the east. The town spans a total area of 37.3 square miles, of which 35.5 square miles is land and 1.8 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Westminster, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5459° N latitude and 71.9106° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Westminster is part of the New England region, specifically in the north-central part of Massachusetts. The town is part of the Worcester County and is approximately 56 miles west of Boston, the state’s capital. The total area of Westminster is about 37.3 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Westminster was estimated to be around 7,277 as of 2019. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.2 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a significant number of people identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Westminster was first settled by Europeans in 1737 and was officially incorporated in 1759. The town was originally a farming community, but the arrival of the railroad in the 19th century brought industrial growth. The town is known for being the birthplace of the first practical steam engine, developed by William Crompton.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Westminster is known for its scenic beauty, with numerous parks, trails, and open spaces. The town is home to the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, which offers hiking trails and spectacular views. The town also has several bodies of water, including Crocker Pond and Wyman Pond, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
🏫 Education
Westminster is served by the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District. The town has several educational institutions, including Westminster Elementary School, Meetinghouse School, and Oakmont Regional High School. For higher education, Mount Wachusett Community College is located nearby in the town of Gardner.
🚧 Transportation
Westminster is served by several major highways, including Route 2 and Route 140. The town is also accessible by rail, with the Wachusett Commuter Rail Station located nearby in Fitchburg. The Fitchburg Municipal Airport, located just a few miles away, provides air travel services.
📜 Trivia & Events
Westminster hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Cracker Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and community spirit. An interesting trivia about Westminster is that it was the first town in the nation to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in 2014, a ban that was later overturned.