Somerset, Massachusetts
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| Somerset, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Somerset |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Bristol County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1677 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1790 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 30.0 |
| Area land km2 | 25.1 |
| Area water km2 | 4.9 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 18165 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 41, 44, 10, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02725, 02726 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-62430 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618275 |
| Website | www.townofsomerset.org |
Somerset, Massachusetts. Somerset is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, situated along the western shore of the Taunton River where it meets Mount Hope Bay. Originally part of the larger settlement of Freetown, it was incorporated as a distinct town in 1790. Historically known for its shipbuilding and later for major power generation facilities, Somerset has evolved into a residential community while retaining its deep connection to the region's maritime and industrial heritage.
History
The area that would become Somerset was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people and was part of the Plymouth Colony's purchase known as the Freetown grant in 1659. Permanent English settlement began around 1677, with early industries including farming and the production of King Philip's War in the 1670s. The town's separation from Freetown was driven by the desire for a local church and was finalized by an act of the Massachusetts General Court. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Somerset became a prominent center for shipbuilding, with yards along the Taunton River constructing vessels for the China trade, whaling, and the coastal merchant fleet. The 20th century saw a major industrial shift with the construction of the Montaup Electric power plant in 1923 and the larger Brayton Point Power Station in the 1960s, which dominated the local economy and skyline for decades before their eventual decommissioning in the 2010s.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 30.0 square kilometers, of which 25.1 square kilometers is land and 4.9 square kilometers is water. Somerset is bordered by the Taunton River and Fall River to the east, Swansea to the north and west, and Dighton across the river to the south. Its geography is characterized by a relatively flat coastal plain with several miles of shoreline along the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay. Notable geographic features include Brayton Point, the southernmost point in Massachusetts, and the Lee's River estuary. The town is part of the Providence metropolitan area and is accessible via Interstate 195 and Massachusetts Route 103.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Somerset was 18,165. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Asian residents. The population density was approximately 723 people per square kilometer. Historically, the town experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century coinciding with the operation of the Brayton Point Power Station and suburban expansion from nearby Fall River and Providence. The median household income has typically been above the state average, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy
Somerset's economy was historically dominated by maritime industries and, later, power generation. The closure of the Montaup Electric and Brayton Point Power Station facilities marked a significant transition. Today, the economy is diversified, with sectors including healthcare, retail, education, and light manufacturing. The town is home to the Somerset Waterfront District, which has been a focus of redevelopment efforts. Major employers include the Somerset School Department, CVS Health, and various small to medium-sized businesses serving the local and regional market. The town also benefits from its location within the Interstate 195 corridor, providing access to employment centers in Fall River, New Bedford, and Providence.
Government and infrastructure
Somerset employs an Open town meeting form of government, led by a Board of Selectmen and a professional Town Administrator. The town provides standard municipal services, including a police department led by a Chief of police, a fire department, and public works. Key infrastructure includes the Somerset Water Treatment Plant, the Somerset Public Library, and the Somerset Town Hall. The town is part of the Massachusetts's 9th congressional district and is represented in the Massachusetts Senate and Massachusetts House of Representatives. Public safety is coordinated with neighboring communities through the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.
Education
Public education in Somerset is managed by the Somerset Public Schools district. The district includes Somerset Elementary School, Somerset Middle School, and Somerset Berkley Regional High School, the latter formed through a regional agreement with the neighboring town of Berkley. The high school is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and baseball. Students may also choose to attend Bristol County Agricultural High School or other regional vocational-technical schools. The town is served by the Somerset Public Library, which is a member of the SAILS Library Network.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Somerset include John W. Cummings, a U.S. Representative; Thomas H. Eliot, a former Congressman and Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis; and Molly Ockett, a noted 18th-century Abenaki healer who lived in the area. In sports, the town is the hometown of former Major League Baseball player Brian Rose and National Football League linebacker James Laurinaitis. Famed naval architect John G. Alden also had connections to the town's shipbuilding heritage.
Category:Towns in Bristol County, Massachusetts Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Populated coastal places in Massachusetts