Norton, Massachusetts
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| Norton, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Norton |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Bristol |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1669 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1711 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 78.0 |
| Area land km2 | 75.1 |
| Area water km2 | 2.9 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 19431 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 41, 58, 00, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02766 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-49975 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618380 |
| Website | www.nortonma.org |
Norton, Massachusetts. Norton is a town in Bristol County, situated approximately 30 miles southwest of Boston and 20 miles northeast of Providence. Incorporated in 1711, its history is deeply tied to early colonial settlement and later industrial development. The town is perhaps best known as the home of Wheaton College and the Xfinity Center, a major outdoor concert venue.
History
The area was originally part of the Taunton North Purchase and was settled by Europeans in 1669, with land grants provided by Massachusetts Bay Colony officials like Josiah Winslow. It was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1711, named for Norton, a village in England. Early industry centered around several gristmills and sawmills powered by the Canadaway Creek and other waterways. The 19th century saw the rise of significant manufacturing, including the Norton Furnace Company and the Union Straw Works, which produced goods shipped via the Old Colony Railroad. The town was also a site of activity during King Philip's War and the American Revolutionary War, with local militia mustering for events like the Siege of Boston.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 78.0 square kilometers, of which 75.1 square kilometers is land and 2.9 square kilometers is water. Norton is bordered by Taunton to the southeast, Mansfield to the north, Easton to the northeast, and Attleboro to the southwest. Significant bodies of water include Norton Reservoir and Winnecunnet Pond, which feed into the Taunton River watershed. The town's terrain is characterized by rolling hills and several conservation areas, including parts of the Massasoit State Park and the Wheaton College campus grounds.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 19,431. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of African American, Asian, and Hispanic residents. The median household income has historically been above the state average, influenced by the presence of the college and proximity to employment centers in Boston and Providence. Population density is moderate, with housing patterns showing a mix of historic village centers and suburban developments from the late 20th century.
Economy
The local economy has transitioned from its historical manufacturing base to one centered on education, healthcare, and retail. Wheaton College is a major employer and economic driver. The Xfinity Center (formerly the Tweeter Center and Great Woods), a large amphitheater owned by Live Nation Entertainment, hosts major concert tours and provides seasonal employment and tourism revenue. Other significant employers include the Norton Public Schools district, Bristol County Savings Bank, and several technology and light industrial firms located in the Norton Industrial Park. Commercial activity is concentrated along routes like Route 140 and Interstate 495.
Education
Public education is managed by the Norton Public Schools district, which includes Norton High School, Norton Middle School, and the J.C. Solmonese Elementary School. The town is also home to Wheaton College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1834. The college's Watson Fine Arts Center and Elisabeth Amen Ward School for Young Children are notable campus facilities. The town is part of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School district, serving several area communities. The Norton Public Library, a member of the SAILS Library Network, provides community educational resources.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include John L. Bates, the 41st Governor of Massachusetts; Samuel L. Gerould, a U.S. Congressman; and Elisabeth Amen Ward, a pioneering educator and namesake of a school at Wheaton College. Athletes from Norton include NFL player James Develin and Major League Baseball pitcher Tim Stauffer. Fictional portrayals of the town appear in works by author Joe Hill, whose novel NOS4A2 features locations inspired by the area.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Towns in Bristol County, Massachusetts Category:1711 establishments in Massachusetts