Westford, Massachusetts

Westford, Massachusetts is a town located in Middlesex County, about 25 miles northwest of Boston. The town is situated near the Merrimack River and is bordered by the towns of Chelmsford, Carlisle, Acton, and Littleton. Westford is also close to the Nashua area and is part of the Lowell metropolitan area, which includes Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen.

Geography

The town of Westford has a total area of 31.3 square miles, of which 30.6 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau. Westford is located near the Stony Brook River and the Nabnasset River, which flow into the Merrimack River. The town's geography is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, and is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Russell Mill Pond and the Nabnasset Lake. Westford is also close to the Minute Man National Historical Park, which commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the American Revolutionary War. Nearby cities include Worcester, Fitchburg, and Leominster.

History

The area that is now Westford was first settled in 1655 by a group of colonists from Concord and Chelmsford, and was officially incorporated as a town in 1729. During the American Revolutionary War, Westford was a key location for the Continental Army, with George Washington and his troops passing through the town on their way to Cambridge and Boston. The town was also home to several notable figures, including Paul Revere and John Hancock, who were involved in the Boston Tea Party and the Sons of Liberty. Westford is also close to the Old North Bridge in Concord, which was the site of the Battle of Concord.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the town of Westford had a population of 21,951 people, with a median age of 41.4 years and a median household income of $104,254. The town has a diverse population, with residents from a variety of backgrounds, including Indian Americans, Chinese Americans, and European Americans. Westford is also home to a number of notable institutions, including the Westford Academy, which was founded in 1792 and is one of the oldest public schools in the United States. Nearby institutions include Harvard University, MIT, and Tufts University.

Government

The town of Westford is governed by a Town Meeting form of government, with a Board of Selectmen and a Town Manager responsible for overseeing the town's operations. Westford is also part of the Massachusetts State Legislature's Middlesex County district, which includes the towns of Acton, Boxborough, and Littleton. The town is also represented in the United States Congress by the Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district, which includes the cities of Lowell and Lawrence.

Education

The town of Westford is served by the Westford Public Schools district, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, including the Westford Academy. The town is also home to several private schools, including the Nashoba Brooks School and the Kimball Farm School. Westford is also close to a number of institutions of higher education, including UMass Lowell, Merrimack College, and Middlesex Community College.

Transportation

The town of Westford is located near several major highways, including Interstate 495 and U.S. Route 3, which provide access to Boston and other nearby cities. The town is also served by the MBTA Commuter Rail's Lowell Line, which connects Westford to North Station in Boston. Westford is also close to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and the Logan International Airport, which provide access to domestic and international flights. Nearby transportation hubs include the Port of Boston and the Worcester Regional Airport. Category:Town in Massachusetts