Canton, Massachusetts
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| Canton, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Canton, Massachusetts |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Norfolk County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1630 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1797 |
| Government type | Representative town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 50.9 |
| Area land km2 | 48.8 |
| Area water km2 | 2.1 |
| Elevation m | 30 |
| Population total | 24,370 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 09, 30, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02021 |
| Area code | 339 / 781 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-11315 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618340 |
| Website | www.town.canton.ma.us |
Canton, Massachusetts. Canton is a town in Norfolk County, part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Settled in the early 17th century, it evolved from agricultural roots into a significant industrial center, most famously for the Reed & Barton silver company and the Canton Viaduct. Today, it is a residential community with a diverse economic base and a rich historical legacy.
History
The area was originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony settlement of Dorchester and was known as the Ponkapoag Plantation, home to the indigenous Massachusett people. It was officially set off and incorporated in 1797, with its name reportedly chosen by Elijah Dunbar in admiration of the Chinese port of Canton. The early 19th century saw the rise of pivotal industries, including the Neponset River-powered mills of James Beaumont Neilson and the founding of the Reed & Barton silversmiths in 1824. The town's industrial growth was cemented by the 1835 completion of the Canton Viaduct by the Boston and Providence Railroad, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Later, the Canton Corner Cemetery and the Canton Historical Society became stewards of this heritage, which includes sites like the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 50.9 square kilometers, of which 48.8 square kilometers is land and 2.1 square kilometers is water. It is bordered by Stoughton, Sharon, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Dedham, Westwood, and Norwood. Major geographic features include the Neponset River, which forms part of the northern border, and the Blue Hills Reservation to the north. The town also contains several ponds, including Bolivar Pond and Forge Pond, and is bisected by major transportation routes like Interstate 95, Interstate 93, and U.S. Route 1.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 24,370. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with growing communities of Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income is above the state average, with a significant proportion of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Population density is moderate, with housing primarily consisting of single-family homes. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Economy
Historically dominated by manufacturing, particularly the Reed & Barton silverworks and the Canton Viaduct's role in transportation, the economy has diversified. Today, it hosts corporate offices for major firms like the Dunkin' Brands parent company Inspire Brands and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The University of Massachusetts Boston has a significant presence at the Canton campus. Retail and service sectors are concentrated along Route 138 and near Interstate 95. The town also benefits from proximity to the South Shore Plaza in Braintree and employment centers in Boston and the Route 128 corridor.
Education
Public education is managed by the Canton Public Schools district, which includes Canton High School, William H. Galvin Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in ice hockey and lacrosse. Private options include St. John the Evangelist School. Higher education and vocational training are accessible through the Massasoit Community College Canton campus and the Blue Hills Regional Technical School in nearby Avon. The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library serves as the town's public library.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include industrialist Henry Lillie Pierce, former Mayor of Boston; Eddie Andelman, sports radio personality; and Doug Flutie, former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner. Fictional portrayals include the setting for the MTV series *Teen Wolf*. Other notable residents have been involved in politics, the arts, and professional sports, contributing to the community's character and its connection to broader regional culture.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Towns in Norfolk County, Massachusetts Category:1797 establishments in Massachusetts