Millbury, Massachusetts
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| Millbury, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Millbury, Massachusetts |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Worcester |
| Government type | Representative town meeting |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1716 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1813 |
| Area total km2 | 43.0 |
| Area total sq mi | 16.6 |
| Area land km2 | 41.0 |
| Area land sq mi | 15.8 |
| Area water km2 | 2.0 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.8 |
| Elevation m | 125 |
| Elevation ft | 410 |
| Population total | 13891 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 11, 37, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 01527 |
| Area code | 508/774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-41180 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618380 |
| Website | www.townofmillbury.net |
Millbury, Massachusetts. Millbury is a town in Worcester County within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Settled in the early 18th century and later incorporated in 1813, its development was historically driven by water-powered textile mills along the Blackstone River. The town is part of the Worcester metropolitan area and retains a mix of residential, commercial, and preserved natural landscapes.
History
The area was originally part of the Sutton land grant and was first settled in 1716, with early industries including gristmills and sawmills. The construction of the Blackstone Canal in the 1820s and the arrival of the Boston and Albany Railroad spurred industrial growth, leading to the establishment of major mills like the Asa Waters Mill and factories operated by the Bancroft family. Millbury separated from Sutton and was officially incorporated in 1813, named for a prominent local milling family. The town was a significant producer of textiles, boots, and abrasives, with companies such as the Millbury Savings Bank supporting the local economy. The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor now commemorates this industrial heritage.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.0 square kilometers, of which 41.0 square kilometers is land and 2.0 square kilometers is water. Millbury is bordered by Worcester to the north, Grafton to the east, Sutton to the south, and Auburn to the west. The Blackstone River flows through the town, and significant water bodies include Lake Singletary and a portion of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. The terrain features rolling hills characteristic of central Massachusetts.
Demographics
At the 2020 United States Census, the population was 13,891. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of Hispanic, African American, and Asian residents. The median household income has historically been above the state average, with a significant portion of the workforce employed in management, sales, and office occupations. Housing is primarily single-family homes, with a density of approximately 880 people per square mile.
Economy
Historically centered on manufacturing, Millbury's economy has diversified. Major employers include the Millbury Federal Credit Union, Cumberland Farms corporate offices, and various retail and healthcare providers at the Millbury Shopping Plaza and The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley. The town is part of the Worcester regional economy, with residents also commuting to jobs in Boston and Providence. Light manufacturing and distribution centers remain along the Massachusetts Turnpike corridor.
Government and infrastructure
Millbury employs a Representative town meeting form of government, led by a Board of Selectmen and a Town Manager. The town operates its own police and fire departments, with the Millbury Police Department headquartered near the Millbury Town Hall. Key infrastructure includes access to Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and U.S. Route 20. Public utilities are managed by the town, and the Millbury Public Library serves as a community hub. The town is part of Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district.
Education
Public education is managed by the Millbury Public Schools district, which includes the Elmwood Street School (pre-K-2), the Raymond E. Shaw Elementary School (3-6), and the Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School. The district participates in athletic leagues within the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. Some students may choose to attend regional vocational schools like the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School or private institutions in nearby Worcester.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include Asa Waters, a prominent 19th-century industrialist and U.S. Representative; Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, who taught here briefly; Elisha Hammond, a Congressman; and John W. Heselton, a former U.S. Representative. More recent figures include Mark Henderson, a former National Football League player for the New England Patriots.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Towns in Worcester County, Massachusetts Category:Populated places established in 1716 Category:1813 establishments in Massachusetts