Page Contents for Townsend, Massachusetts

Statistics & Facts

Location

Weather & Climate

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Libraries.

Schools.

Miscellany

---

Statistics & Facts

The Massachusetts state capital is Boston.
The population of Townsend is approximately 9,041 (1994) , 1128 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 491 (2010).
The amount of land area in Townsend is 3.635 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Townsend is 32.87 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.085 sq kilometers.
The distance from Townsend to Washington DC is 390 miles.
The distance to the Massachusetts state capital is 43 miles. (as the crow flies)
Townsend is positioned 42.66 degrees north of the equator and 71.70 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Townsend per capita income is $ 15,694.
Townsend median income is $ 46,910.
The Townsend median home price is $ 147,500.
Townsend average annual precipitation is 47 inches peryear.
The average winter temperature is 23.4 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 71.3 degrees F.

Location

In North central Massachusetts, bordering New Hampshire. Nearby areas include: Ashby, Mason, Brookline, New Hampshire, Pepperell, Groton, Shirley, Lunenburg, and Fitchburg. Townsend is 42 miles northwest of Boston.
Return to Index

Climate

seasonal. We have all four distinct seasons. This gives residents the opportunity for year-round fun with hiking, swimming, skiing, sailing, sledding and more!
Return to Index

History & History Related Items

Townsend, Massachusetts was incorporated as a Town on June 29, 1732 and was named after Viscount Charles Townshend, a British cabinet minister. About 1780, residents and town clerks began to spell Townsend by omitting the "H" and giving it its present spelling.

The first mill was built in 1733 in Townsend Harbor. A dam was built in 1734 to make a pond for the mill. Some of these places may be visited today, such as: The Conant House, Grist Mill and Cooperate.

By 1806 the Boston and Keene, New Hampshire stagecoaches began. They stopped for passengers to eat at the Joslinville Tavern (now 519 Main Street).

Learn a little about Townsend by the Squannacook Elementary School.

A history page for Townsend.
Return to Index

The incorporation of Townsend

June 29, 1732 (town)

Attractions

The Town Common is a popular place for community activities. The Fall Fairs and art shows are held there as well as summer band concerts and other events. The Squannacook River gives other opportunities for entertainment.

Willard Brook & Pearl Hill State Park - picnicking and swimming

Townsend State Forest - hiking, cross country skiing with many trails.

Arts and entertainment concerts sponsored by Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund Committee and Townsend Cultural Council
Fitchburg Art Museum (Fitchburg)
Historical Society: Reed House, Grist Mill and Cooperage in Townsend Harbor
Squannacook River: noted for its freshwater fishing year round
Kids Korner Playground (near Spaulding Memorial School)

Indian Hill Arts
A Non-Profit Regional Center for Music Education and Performance
36 King Street
P.O. Box 1484
Littleton, MA 01460
Phone: 978-486-9524
Fax: 978-486-9844 TICKETLINE: 978-486-0540 Email: iha@indianhillarts.org
Return to Index

---

Townsend City Government

Townsend, MA
272 Main St
Townsend, MA 01469-1074
Phone: 978-597-1704
City Offices main Phone: (978) 597-2837
Email: townsend@bicnet.net

The type of government under the Townsend Charter is Open Town Meeting, with a Three-member Board of Selectmen.

---

Townsend Park & Recreation Department
P.O. Box 669
Townsend, MA 01469

Townsend Libraries

Townsend, MA Public Library
224 Main St
Townsend, MA 01469-1034
Phone: 978-597-2817

Townsend Schools

Children of Townsend attend the schools of the Middlesex Regional School District. Many of the community activities are held at the high school and middle school campuses.

---

North Middlesex Regional High School
19 Main St
Townsend, MA 01469-1356
Phone: 978-597-8721

---

North Middlesex School District
23 Main St
Townsend, MA 01469-1356
Phone: 978-597-8713
FAX: (978) 597-6534
Email: jmccormick@nmiddlesex.mec.edu

---

Squannacook Elementary Townsend

Miscellany

Townsend Population:
1940 - 2,065
1980 - 7,610
1990 - 8,496
1994 - 9,041
1995 - 9,003
1996 - 9,026
1997 - 8,885
1998 - 9,055
1990 - 8,430
2000 - 9,287 (projected)
2010 - 9,944 (projected)