Douglas, Massachusetts
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| Douglas, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Douglas |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Worcester |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1715 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1775 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 98.4 |
| Area land km2 | 95.0 |
| Area water km2 | 3.4 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 8765 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 03, 15, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 01516 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-17325 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618345 |
| Website | www.douglasma.org |
Douglas, Massachusetts. Douglas is a town in Worcester County, situated within the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. The community, incorporated in 1775, is known for its rural character, significant historical sites, and its location along the Massachusetts–Rhode Island state line. Douglas operates under the Open town meeting form of government and is part of the Douglas School District.
History
The area was originally part of the Dudley grant and was first settled by Europeans in 1715, known then as the "New Sherburn" or "New Sherborn" plantation. It was officially incorporated in 1775 and named for William Douglas, a colonial supporter. Early industry was driven by water power from the Mumford River and French River, leading to the establishment of numerous mills. The town was a significant site during King Philip's War, with the Battle of Pierce's Fight occurring nearby in 1676. The 19th century saw the growth of textile manufacturing, with mills operated by families like the Slaters contributing to the Industrial Revolution in the United States. The Douglas Historical Society maintains several properties, including the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum and the Douglas Center School.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 98.4 square kilometers, of which 95.0 km² is land and 3.4 km² is water. Douglas is bordered by Uxbridge and Northbridge to the east, Sutton to the north, Webster and Oxford to the west, and the State of Rhode Island to the south. Major bodies of water include Wallum Lake, which is shared with Burrillville, and the Douglas State Forest, which contains the popular Midstate Trail and the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. The town's geography is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several ponds, including Cedar Swamp Pond.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 8,765. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino. The median household income has historically been above the state average, with a significant portion of the workforce employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations. Population growth has been steady, influenced by its proximity to major employment centers like Worcester and Providence, as well as the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate 395.
Government
Douglas 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 including police through the Douglas Police Department, fire and emergency medical services through the Douglas Fire Department, and public works. Douglas is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as part of the 8th Worcester district and in the Massachusetts Senate as part of the Worcester and Norfolk district. At the federal level, the town is part of Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district.
Education
Public education is managed by the Douglas School District, which operates the Douglas Primary School, Douglas Elementary School, and the Douglas Middle School. High school students attend Douglas High School, a member of the Southern Worcester County League. The district has a partnership with Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. There are no institutions of higher education within the town; residents typically access colleges such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Worcester State University, and Quinsigamond Community College.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include John H. Chafee, former Governor of Rhode Island and United States Senator, who was born in Douglas; William H. Haile, former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and United States Representative; and Elisha Hammond, a U.S. Congressman. Horace T. Ward, an educator and early African American graduate of Middlebury College, served as principal of the Douglas High School. Modern notable residents have included professionals in fields such as politics, sports, and the arts.
Category:Towns in Worcester County, Massachusetts Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:1775 establishments in Massachusetts