Dartmouth, Massachusetts

Dartmouth, Massachusetts is a town located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, bordered by Westport to the west, Fall River to the north, and New Bedford to the east. The town is situated near the Acushnet River and Buzzards Bay, and is home to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Dartmouth is also close to the Martha's Vineyard ferry and the Cape Cod Canal. The town has a rich history, with many notable residents, including Paul Theroux, William F. Buckley Jr., and Rachel Carson.

Geography

Dartmouth is located in southeastern Massachusetts, near the Rhode Island border, and is part of the New Bedford-Fall River-Taunton Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is bordered by the Acushnet River to the east, and Buzzards Bay to the south, which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Cape Cod Canal. Dartmouth is also close to the Island of Martha's Vineyard, which is accessible by ferry from New Bedford or Falmouth. The town's geography is characterized by its coastal location, with many beaches, including Horseneck Beach State Reservation, and Demarest Lloyd State Park. Nearby cities include Providence, Newport, and Plymouth, which are all connected to Dartmouth via Interstate 195 and U.S. Route 6.

History

The area now known as Dartmouth was first settled in 1652 by English colonists, including John Russell, who was granted a large tract of land by the Plymouth Colony. The town was officially incorporated in 1664, and was named after Dartmouth, Devon, a town in England. During the American Revolution, Dartmouth was a major shipping port, with many vessels sailing to and from the town, including those owned by John Hancock and Samuel Adams. The town was also home to many notable residents, including William Bradford, who served as governor of the Plymouth Colony. In the 19th century, Dartmouth became a major center for the whaling industry, with many ships sailing from the town's ports, including the Charles W. Morgan, which is now a museum ship at Mystic Seaport.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the town of Dartmouth had a population of 33,851, with a median household income of $63,392. The town has a diverse population, with many residents of Portuguese-American and Irish-American descent, reflecting the town's history of immigration from Portugal and Ireland. The town is also home to a large student population, due to the presence of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which has a student body of over 9,000. Nearby cities, including New Bedford and Fall River, also have a significant impact on the town's demographics, with many residents commuting to these cities for work or education, including Bristol Community College and University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Economy

The economy of Dartmouth is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and tourism. The town is home to many major employers, including St. Luke's Hospital, Southcoast Health, and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The town's coastal location also makes it a popular destination for tourists, with many visitors drawn to the town's beaches, including Horseneck Beach State Reservation, and Demarest Lloyd State Park. The town is also close to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, which attracts many visitors interested in the town's whaling industry history, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Nearby cities, including Providence and Boston, also have a significant impact on the town's economy, with many residents commuting to these cities for work, including Biogen, Genzyme, and Boston University.

Education

Dartmouth is served by the Dartmouth Public Schools district, which operates several schools, including Dartmouth High School, Dartmouth Middle School, and several elementary schools, including DeMello Elementary School and Potter Elementary School. The town is also home to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including business, engineering, and nursing. The university is part of the University of Massachusetts system, which also includes University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts Boston, and University of Massachusetts Lowell. Nearby institutions, including Bristol Community College and Salve Regina University, also offer educational opportunities for residents, including Wheaton College and Stonehill College.

Government

Dartmouth is governed by a town council form of government, with a town administrator serving as the chief executive officer. The town has a select board that oversees the town's government, including the police department, fire department, and public works department. The town is also part of the Bristol County government, which provides services such as law enforcement and emergency management. Nearby cities, including New Bedford and Fall River, also have a significant impact on the town's government, with many residents participating in regional initiatives, including the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The town is represented in the Massachusetts State Legislature by State Senator Mark Montigny and State Representative Christopher Markey, and in the United States Congress by Congressman Bill Keating and Senator Elizabeth Warren.