Amherst, Massachusetts
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| Amherst, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Amherst |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Hampshire |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1703 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1759 |
| Government type | Representative town meeting |
| Leader title | Town Manager |
| Leader name | Paul Bockelman |
| Leader title1 | Select Board |
| Leader name1 | See Amherst Select Board |
| Area total km2 | 71.8 |
| Area land km2 | 71.5 |
| Area water km2 | 0.3 |
| Population total | 39,263 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 22, 49, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 01002, 01003, 01004 |
| Area code | 413 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-01325 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0619396 |
| Website | www.amherstma.gov |
Amherst, Massachusetts. A town in Hampshire County within the Pioneer Valley, it is a renowned academic and cultural center. Home to three institutions of higher education, its history is deeply intertwined with notable figures in American literature and education. The town's vibrant atmosphere is shaped by its student population, progressive politics, and rich intellectual heritage.
History
The area was originally settled as part of Hadley and was known as the "Third Precinct" or "East Hadley." It was officially incorporated in 1759 and named for Lord Jeffery Amherst, a controversial figure from the French and Indian War. The town's early economy was based on agriculture, but its character was transformed in the 19th century with the founding of Amherst College in 1821. This period also saw Amherst as the lifelong home of poet Emily Dickinson, whose family, including her father Edward Dickinson, was prominent in local affairs. The town was also the birthplace and residence of another significant literary figure, Robert Frost, who taught at Amherst College. The establishment of the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1863, which later became the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the arrival of Hampshire College in 1970, solidified its identity as a major educational hub.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 71.8 square kilometers, with Connecticut River frontage to the east. It is bordered by Hadley to the north, Pelham and Shutesbury to the east, Leverett and Sunderland to the south, and South Hadley to the west. The landscape includes parts of the Holyoke Range and features notable conservation areas like the Amherst College Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mount Holyoke Range State Park. The town center is characterized by its distinctive New England common, known as the Amherst Town Common.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 39,263, reflecting significant growth from previous decades largely driven by its academic institutions. The population is notably young, with a median age well below the state average due to the presence of University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College. The town is racially and ethnically diverse, with substantial populations identifying as Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American. A high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, aligning with its status as a college town. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission provides regional demographic analysis for the area.
Education
The town is defined by its three prestigious institutions: the public research University of Massachusetts Amherst (flagship of the University of Massachusetts system), the private liberal arts Amherst College, and the experimental Hampshire College. These schools form the Five College Consortium with nearby Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. Public primary and secondary education is managed by the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, which includes Amherst Regional High School. The district is known for its progressive educational approaches. The Jones Library, a public library and special collections archive, holds a major collection of works by Emily Dickinson.
Culture and points of interest
Cultural life is dominated by the academic calendar, featuring numerous lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. The Emily Dickinson Museum comprises the poet's Homestead and the Evergreens, her brother's home. The Mead Art Museum at Amherst College and the University Museum of Contemporary Art at University of Massachusetts Amherst are major venues. Annual events include the Amherst History Museum's tours and the town's popular Amherst Farmers' Market. The Amherst Cinema is a nonprofit arts center screening independent films. Outdoor attractions include the Norwottuck Rail Trail and the Lawrence Swamp conservation area.
Government
Amherst employs a Representative town meeting form of government, led by a five-member Amherst Select Board and a professional Town Manager. The town is part of the Massachusetts House of Representatives's 3rd Hampshire district and the Massachusetts Senate's Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester district. At the federal level, it is represented in the United States House of Representatives by the Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district. The town is known for its politically active electorate and has historically supported progressive policies and candidates from the Democratic Party.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Hampshire County, Massachusetts Category:Populated places established in 1759