According to ehuacom, Ashland, Massachusetts is located in Middlesex County, approximately 20 miles west of Boston. The town is situated on the banks of the Sudbury River and covers an area of 15.6 square miles.
The terrain of Ashland is mostly flat with some rolling hills and valleys scattered throughout the town. There are numerous streams and wetlands that provide natural habitats for wildlife, as well as scenic views for residents and visitors alike.
The majority of the land in Ashland is forested with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, including maple, oak, pine, and beech. There are also several open spaces throughout the town that provide recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.
The climate in Ashland is temperate with seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Summers are usually warm with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit while winters can be cold with temperatures dropping below freezing at times.
Overall, Ashland’s geography provides a beautiful backdrop for both residents and visitors alike to enjoy its natural beauty while still having easy access to nearby urban areas such as Boston via public transportation or major highways like Interstate 90 or Route 9.
History of Ashland, Massachusetts
Ashland, Massachusetts was first settled in 1659 and was originally part of the town of Southborough. In 1844, the town separated from Southborough and was officially incorporated as Ashland.
The town’s name is derived from a nearby hill which was once covered in ash trees. The hill has since been cleared but the name Ashland remains as a reminder of its past.
During the 19th century, Ashland developed into an agricultural community with dairy farming being the main industry. The town also had several mills along the Sudbury River which provided power for local businesses and residences.
In the early 20th century, Ashland became a popular summer resort destination due to its proximity to Boston and its scenic landscape. This led to an influx of tourists during this time period, many of whom were affluent families from Boston who built large summer homes in the area.
In recent decades, Ashland has become increasingly residential as more people move to the area for its easy access to Boston via public transportation or major highways like Interstate 90 or Route 9. Today, it is a vibrant community with many cultural institutions such as museums and theaters that provide entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
Economy of Ashland, Massachusetts
The economy of Ashland, Massachusetts is driven by a mix of industries including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The town is home to several large employers including MetLife, Ashland Hospital, and Framingham State University.
Retail is a major industry in Ashland with many stores and restaurants located in the town. There are also several shopping centers located in the area including the Ashland Town Center which has a variety of stores and restaurants.
Manufacturing is also an important part of the economy with several companies operating plants in Ashland. These companies produce everything from medical equipment to textiles to electronics.
Healthcare is another major industry in Ashland with many medical facilities located in the area including Ashland Hospital which provides health care services to residents and visitors alike.
Education is an important part of the economy as well with Framingham State University located just outside of town providing higher education opportunities for students from all over Massachusetts.
Overall, the economy of Ashland is strong with many businesses providing good job opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The town’s close proximity to Boston also contributes to its economic vitality as it provides easy access to one of the largest cities in New England.
Politics in Ashland, Massachusetts
The politics of Ashland, Massachusetts are dominated by the Democratic Party. The town has a long history of electing Democrats to local, state, and federal offices.
At the local level, the Board of Selectmen is responsible for running the town. This board is composed of five elected members who serve four-year terms. Currently, all five members are Democrats.
Ashland also elects representatives to its state legislature. In the Massachusetts House of Representatives, there are two representatives from Ashland and both are Democrats. In the Massachusetts Senate there is one representative from Ashland who is also a Democrat.
At the federal level, Ashland has traditionally been represented by Democrats in Congress as well as in the United States Senate. Currently, Edward Markey represents Ashland in Washington D.C., and he is a Democrat.
Overall, politics in Ashland tend to be dominated by the Democratic Party with most offices held by members of that party. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for citizens to get involved in local politics regardless of their political affiliation or beliefs as many issues affecting the town can be discussed at public meetings and through other forms of civic engagement such as voting or volunteering for campaigns and causes they believe in.