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Coordinates: 42°08′23″N 71°31′00″W / 42.13972°N 71.51667°W / 42.13972; -71.51667
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==History==
==History==
Milford was first settled in 1662 as a part [[Mendon, Massachusetts|Mendon]]. The [[King Philip's War]] destroyed the town in 1676, but settlers returned in 1680.<ref name="Milford1">{{cite web|url=http://milford.ma.us/pages/boards-committees/historical-commission/milford-history.php|title=Milford History|publisher=Town of Milford|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref> The [[Mill River (Massachusetts – Rhode Island)|Mill River]] flows through Milford and had several conspicuous fords that were familiar to the Native Americans, and used by the early white settlers. These "Mill (river) fords" gave Milford its name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/historyoftownofm01ball/historyoftownofm01ball_djvu.txt|title=History of the town of Milford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1881|author=[[Adin Ballou]]|publisher=Boston-Franklin Press: Rand, Avery, & Co.|date=1882|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref>
Milford was first settled in 1662 as a part [[Mendon, Massachusetts|Mendon]]. The [[King Philip's War]] destroyed the town in 1676, but settlers returned in 1680.<ref name="Milford1">{{cite web|url=http://milford.ma.us/pages/boards-committees/historical-commission/milford-history.php|title=Milford History|publisher=Town of Milford|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref> The [[Mill River (Massachusetts – Rhode Island)|Mill River]] flows through Milford and had several conspicuous fords that were familiar to the Native Americans, and used by the early white settlers. These "Mill (river) fords" gave Milford its name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/historyoftownofm01ball/historyoftownofm01ball_djvu.txt|title=History of the town of Milford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1881|author=[[Adin Ballou]]|publisher=Boston-Franklin Press: Rand, Avery, & Co.|date=1882|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref>
Milford was incorporated in 1780 and the first Town Hall built in 1819; a brick structure later named the Town House School. The [[Milford Town Hall]] was built in 1854 by architect [[Thomas Silloway]].<ref name="Milford1"></ref>
Milford was incorporated April 11th, 1780 and the first Town Hall built in 1819; a brick structure later named the Town House School. The [[Milford Town Hall]] was built in 1854 by architect [[Thomas Silloway]].<ref name="Milford1"></ref>


Milford is renowned for its pink [[Milford granite (Massachusetts)|Milford granite]], discovered in 1870.<ref name="carved">{{cite web|url=http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20080601/NEWS/306019905|title=A story carved from Milford's pink granite|author=Danielle Ameden|accessdate=January 24, 2017|date=June 1, 2008|publisher=[[The Milford Daily News]]}}</ref> Milford quarries fueled the local economy until about 1940.<ref name="Boston Globe">{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2014/06/11/milford-historical-society-celebrating-pink-granite-quarries/alYB1a0ZdrFQbnvsPK8wDK/story.html|title=Milford Historical Society celebrating the pink granite quarries|publisher=[[The Boston Globe]]|author=Mary MacDonald|date=June 12, 2014|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref> The granite has been used for local buildings such as [[Memorial Hall (Milford, Massachusetts)|Memorial Hall]], the [[Bancroft Memorial Library]] in [[Hopedale, Massachusetts|Hopedale]], [[Worcester City Hall and Common|Worcester City Hall]], and the [[Boston Public Library, McKim Building|Boston Public Library]]. Other notable buildings include the [[Pennsylvania Station (1910–1963)|original Pennsylvania Station]] in [[New York City]], the [[James A. Farley Post Office Building|main post office]] in [[New York City]], and most recently the [[Singapore Changi Airport]] in 2002.<ref name="Boston Globe"></ref>
Milford is renowned for its pink [[Milford granite (Massachusetts)|Milford granite]], discovered in 1870.<ref name="carved">{{cite web|url=http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20080601/NEWS/306019905|title=A story carved from Milford's pink granite|author=Danielle Ameden|accessdate=January 24, 2017|date=June 1, 2008|publisher=[[The Milford Daily News]]}}</ref> Milford quarries fueled the local economy until about 1940.<ref name="Boston Globe">{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2014/06/11/milford-historical-society-celebrating-pink-granite-quarries/alYB1a0ZdrFQbnvsPK8wDK/story.html|title=Milford Historical Society celebrating the pink granite quarries|publisher=[[The Boston Globe]]|author=Mary MacDonald|date=June 12, 2014|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref> The granite has been used for local buildings such as [[Memorial Hall (Milford, Massachusetts)|Memorial Hall]], the [[Bancroft Memorial Library]] in [[Hopedale, Massachusetts|Hopedale]], [[Worcester City Hall and Common|Worcester City Hall]], and the [[Boston Public Library, McKim Building|Boston Public Library]]. Other notable buildings include the [[Pennsylvania Station (1910–1963)|original Pennsylvania Station]] in [[New York City]], the [[James A. Farley Post Office Building|main post office]] in [[New York City]], and most recently the [[Singapore Changi Airport]] in 2002.<ref name="Boston Globe"></ref>

Revision as of 13:37, 9 March 2017

Milford, Massachusetts
Town
Town Hall
Town Hall
Official seal of Milford, Massachusetts
Seal
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Coordinates: 42°08′23″N 71°31′00″W / 42.13972°N 71.51667°W / 42.13972; -71.51667
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyWorcester
Settled1662
Incorporated1780
Government
 • TypeRepresentative town meeting
Area
 • Total14.9 sq mi (38.5 km2)
 • Land14.6 sq mi (37.8 km2)
 • Water0.3 sq mi (0.7 km2)
Elevation
307 ft (94 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total27,999
 • Density1,900/sq mi (730/km2)
DemonymMilfordian
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
01757
Area code508 / 774
FIPS code25-41165
GNIS feature ID0618372
Websitewww.milford.ma.us

Milford is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 27,999 according to the 2010 census. First settled in 1662 and incorporated in 1780, Milford became a booming industrial and mining community due to its unique location which includes the nearby source of the Charles River, the Mill River, the Blackstone River watershed, and large quantities of Milford pink granite.

History

Milford was first settled in 1662 as a part Mendon. The King Philip's War destroyed the town in 1676, but settlers returned in 1680.[1] The Mill River flows through Milford and had several conspicuous fords that were familiar to the Native Americans, and used by the early white settlers. These "Mill (river) fords" gave Milford its name.[2] Milford was incorporated April 11th, 1780 and the first Town Hall built in 1819; a brick structure later named the Town House School. The Milford Town Hall was built in 1854 by architect Thomas Silloway.[1]

Milford is renowned for its pink Milford granite, discovered in 1870.[3] Milford quarries fueled the local economy until about 1940.[4] The granite has been used for local buildings such as Memorial Hall, the Bancroft Memorial Library in Hopedale, Worcester City Hall, and the Boston Public Library. Other notable buildings include the original Pennsylvania Station in New York City, the main post office in New York City, and most recently the Singapore Changi Airport in 2002.[4] The Battle Monument at West Point is also made of Milford granite, and is reputed to be the largest column of polished granite in the Western Hemisphere.[5]

The Milford Hospital was donated in 1903 by Governor Eben Sumner Draper.[1] Today, the health care facility exists as the Milford Regional Medical Center. In January 2008, the Center opened a cancer treatment facility with the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute.[6] The Center is affiliated with UMass Medical Center as a teaching hospital.[7] In 2015 the hospital completed a $54 million expansion project that created a new emergency department and updated the intensive care unit, as well as patient rooms.[6]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.9 square miles (39 km2), of which 14.6 square miles (38 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), or 1.82%, is water. Milford is drained by the Charles River.

The town is crossed by Interstate 495, as well as state routes 16, 85, 109, and 140.

Adjacent towns

Milford is located in Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by:

Demographics

As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 26,799 people, 10,420 households, and 7,200 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,835.6 people per square mile (708.7/km²). There were 10,713 housing units at an average density of 733.8 per square mile (283.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 92.95% White, 1.35% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 1.76% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.99% from other races, and 1.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.36% of the population.

There were 10,420 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,856, and the median income for a family was $61,029. Males had a median income of $42,173 versus $30,989 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,742. About 5.8% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Milford has been growing at a fast rate since the introduction of Interstate 495, which opened in the area with dual exits at Route 85 and Route 109 in 1969. Since then many major retailers have opened in town. Milford was fictitiously featured in a 2008 episode of the Fox television series Fringe.[19]

Government

State government
State Representative(s): John V. Fernandes (D)
State Senator(s): Ryan Fattman (R)
Governor's Councilor(s): Jen Caissie (R)
Federal government
U.S. Representative(s): Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-4th District),
U.S. Senators: Elizabeth Warren (D), Ed Markey (D)
Old Park School in 1909

The core of Milford's governing system is the representative town meeting, where elected citizens can voice their opinions, but more importantly, directly effect changes in the community. Along with a Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, Planning Board, Finance Committee, etc., the citizens of Milford have input into how the town is run.

The Massachusetts Department of Correction is headquartered in Milford.[20]

Library

The Milford Public Library was established in 1858.[21][22] In fiscal year 2008, the town of Milford spent 1.5% ($966,758) of its budget on its public library—some $35 per person.[23]

Education

Milford Public Schools operates six public schools [1] and the town also has one catholic school.

Public schools
Catholic schools
  • K–6: Milford Catholic Elementary School (MCES)
Vocational schools

Annual events

  • Independence Day fireworks, held on Plains Park within a day of July 4
  • Portuguese Picnic: A two-night festival held at the Portuguese Club
Irish Round Tower, Milford, MA

Sites of interest

  • Memorial Hall, home and museum of the Milford Historical Commission
  • Ted's Diner, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, was the oldest diner built by the Tierney Diner Company. Ted's was left abandoned by the town and vandalized, eventually moved to make way for a new fire station.
  • St. Mary's Cemetery holds the only Irish round tower in the United States, built from local granite.

Media

Notable people

Milford Town Library, 1899
  • Lincoln Square in 1907
    Lincoln Square in 1907
  • Old High School in 1907
    Old High School in 1907
  • B. & A. Station c. 1913
    B. & A. Station c. 1913

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Milford History". Town of Milford. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  2. ^ Adin Ballou (1882). "History of the town of Milford, Worcester county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1881". Boston-Franklin Press: Rand, Avery, & Co. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  3. ^ Danielle Ameden (June 1, 2008). "A story carved from Milford's pink granite". The Milford Daily News. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  4. ^ a b Mary MacDonald (June 12, 2014). "Milford Historical Society celebrating the pink granite quarries". The Boston Globe. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  5. ^ "Tour of West Point: Battle Monument". United States Military Academy. Archived from the original on 11 January 2009. Retrieved January 17, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b Emily Micucci (October 1, 2015). "Milford Regional cuts the ribbon on new ER, ICU". WBJournal. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  7. ^ "Umass Memorial at Milford". UMass Medical Center. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  8. ^ "Total Population (P1), 2010 Census Summary File 1". American FactFinder, All County Subdivisions within Massachusetts. United States Census Bureau. 2010.
  9. ^ "Massachusetts by Place and County Subdivision - GCT-T1. Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  10. ^ "1990 Census of Population, General Population Characteristics: Massachusetts" (PDF). US Census Bureau. December 1990. Table 76: General Characteristics of Persons, Households, and Families: 1990. 1990 CP-1-23. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  11. ^ "1980 Census of the Population, Number of Inhabitants: Massachusetts" (PDF). US Census Bureau. December 1981. Table 4. Populations of County Subdivisions: 1960 to 1980. PC80-1-A23. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  12. ^ "1950 Census of Population" (PDF). Bureau of the Census. 1952. Section 6, Pages 21-10 and 21-11, Massachusetts Table 6. Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1930 to 1950. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  13. ^ "1920 Census of Population" (PDF). Bureau of the Census. Number of Inhabitants, by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions. Pages 21-5 through 21-7. Massachusetts Table 2. Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1920, 1910, and 1920. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  14. ^ "1890 Census of the Population" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. Pages 179 through 182. Massachusetts Table 5. Population of States and Territories by Minor Civil Divisions: 1880 and 1890. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  15. ^ "1870 Census of the Population" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1872. Pages 217 through 220. Table IX. Population of Minor Civil Divisions, &c. Massachusetts. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  16. ^ "1860 Census" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1864. Pages 220 through 226. State of Massachusetts Table No. 3. Populations of Cities, Towns, &c. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  17. ^ "1850 Census" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1854. Pages 338 through 393. Populations of Cities, Towns, &c. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  18. ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  19. ^ Plot Synopsis for FOX's Fringe (Season 1, Episode 6: "The Cure", Original Air Date: 21 October 2008).
  20. ^ "Massachusetts Department of Correction." Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Retrieved on December 7, 2009.
  21. ^ C.B. Tillinghast. The free public libraries of Massachusetts. 1st Report of the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts. Boston: Wright & Potter, 1891. Google books
  22. ^ Milford Town Library. Retrieved 2010-11-10
  23. ^ July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008; cf. The FY2008 Municipal Pie: What’s Your Share? Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Board of Library Commissioners. Boston: 2009. Available: Municipal Pie Reports. Retrieved 2010-08-04
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