Bellingham, Massachusetts
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| Bellingham, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Bellingham, Massachusetts |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Norfolk |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1713 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1719 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 48.5 |
| Area land km2 | 46.8 |
| Area water km2 | 1.7 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 16,945 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 05, 12, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02019 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-04930 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618275 |
| Website | www.bellinghamma.org |
Bellingham, Massachusetts. Bellingham is a town in Norfolk County, situated along the Blackstone River and bordering the state of Rhode Island. Incorporated in 1719, its history is deeply tied to early colonial settlement and later industrial development within the Blackstone Valley. Today, it is a residential community with convenient access to major highways like Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 495 in Massachusetts, while maintaining several conservation areas and a traditional New England town center.
History
The land that would become Bellingham was originally part of the Dedham grant and was purchased from the Wampanoag people. First settled in 1713, it was officially incorporated in 1719 and named for Richard Bellingham, a colonial governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Early economy relied on agriculture and several mills along the Charles River and Blackstone River. The 19th century brought significant industrial growth, with factories producing textiles, shoes, and other goods, aided by the arrival of the Providence and Worcester Railroad. The town was the site of a notable early American Civil War event, the Bellingham coup, involving the seizure of weapons in 1854 by abolitionists. Throughout the 20th century, Bellingham transitioned from a mill town to a primarily residential suburb, a shift accelerated by the construction of Interstate 495.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Bellingham has a total area of 48.5 square kilometers, of which 46.8 square kilometers is land and 1.7 square kilometers is water. The town is located in southeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Franklin and Medway to the north, Milford to the west, and the Rhode Island towns of Woonsocket and Cumberland to the south. Major water bodies include the Blackstone River, which forms part of the southern border, and Lake Hiawatha. The terrain features wooded hills and several protected areas, including the Bellingham Town Forest and the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, Bellingham had a population of 16,945. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Asian and Hispanic or Latino communities. The median household income has historically been above the state average, reflecting its suburban character. Population density is moderate, with most housing consisting of single-family homes. The town has experienced steady growth since the mid-20th century, correlating with improved highway access and its location within the Greater Boston and Providence metropolitan regions.
Government
Bellingham employs the Open town meeting form of government, led by a Board of Selectmen and a professional Town Administrator. The town provides standard municipal services through departments such as Police, Fire, and Public Works. Bellingham is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as part of the 9th Norfolk district and in the Massachusetts Senate as part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex district. At the federal level, it is part of Massachusetts's 4th congressional district.
Education
Public education is managed by the Bellingham Public Schools district, which includes Memorial and Clara Macy Elementary Schools for early grades, the Bellingham Middle School, and Bellingham High School. The district participates in athletic competitions within the Tri-Valley League. The town is also served by the regional Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions like Dean College in Franklin and Wheaton College in Norton.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Bellingham include Horace Mann, the renowned education reformer who taught at a school in the town early in his career. Brian Vickers, a former NASCAR driver and Daytona 500 champion, was born here. Musician and member of the band Boston, Barry Goudreau, is a native. John L. Bates, who served as the 41st Governor of Massachusetts, was born in Bellingham. Additionally, William S. Flynn, a former American football player and coach for the University of Rhode Island, hailed from the town.
Category:Towns in Norfolk County, Massachusetts Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:1719 establishments in Massachusetts