Dudley, Massachusetts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dudley, Massachusetts
Town
War Monument by sculptor John A. Wilson
Seal
Motto(s):  "All was others: All will be others"
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Country	United States
State	Massachusetts
County	Worcester
Settled	1714
Incorporated	1732
Government
• Type	Open town meeting
Area
• Total	22.1 sq mi (57.1 km2)
• Land	21.1 sq mi (54.5 km2)
• Water	1.0 sq mi (2.6 km2)
Elevation	670 ft (204 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	11,921
• Density	539.4/sq mi (208.77/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code	01571
Area code(s)	508/774
FIPS code	25-17685
GNIS feature ID	0618361
Website	www.dudleyma.gov

Dudley is a town located in Worcester County, in the state of Massachusetts, USA. In 2020, about 11,921 people lived here.

History of Dudley

Dudley was first settled by people in 1714. It officially became a town in 1732. The town got its name from Paul and William Dudley, who owned land there.

Revolutionary War Events

In April 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his Continental Army camped in Dudley. They were traveling from Boston to New York City. It's said that a secret stash of British weapons was hidden nearby. This was meant to help soldiers or cover a retreat. However, this hidden stash was never found or used.

Dudley's Role in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, soldiers from Dudley fought for the Union Army. The 15th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which included men from Dudley, faced many challenges in battles like Gettysburg. Dudley was also very important for making supplies for the Union Army. The town produced many "Brogan boots" and most of the uniforms worn by Union soldiers.

Community Discussions

In 2016, there was a lot of discussion in Dudley about a plan to create a new cemetery. After many talks between the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester and town officials, the necessary permission was given.

Geography of Dudley

Dudley is located in a central part of Massachusetts. It shares borders with several other towns. To the northeast is Oxford, and to the north is Charlton. On the west side, you'll find Southbridge. To the south, Dudley borders Woodstock and Thompson, Connecticut in the state of Connecticut. On the east, it borders Webster.

Land and Water Areas

The town of Dudley covers a total area of about 22.1 square miles (57.1 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 21.0 square miles (54.5 square kilometers), is land. The remaining part, about 1.0 square mile (2.6 square kilometers), is water.

Population and People

Dudley has grown steadily over the years. In 2000, there were 10,036 people living in the town. By 2020, the population had increased to 11,921.

Who Lives in Dudley?

In 2000, about 96.83% of the people in Dudley were White. Other groups included African American, Native American, and Asian residents. About 2.01% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Many households in Dudley had families. About 34.5% of households included children under 18. The average household had about 2.57 people.

Age Groups in Dudley

The population of Dudley is made up of people of all ages. In 2000:

• About 24.7% of residents were under 18 years old.
• About 10.6% were between 18 and 24 years old.
• About 29.9% were between 25 and 44 years old.
• About 22.0% were between 45 and 64 years old.
• About 12.8% were 65 years or older.

The median age in Dudley was 36 years. This means half the population was younger than 36, and half was older.

Public Library

Dudley has a public library that first opened in 1897. Over the years, the library has moved to different locations. In the early 2000s, a new library building was constructed. In 2008, the town spent about $163,468 on its public library. This was about $14 for each person living in Dudley.

Education in Dudley

Dudley is home to Nichols College, a higher education institution. Its campus is located on Dudley Hill, which is an important historical area of the town.

Public Schools in Dudley

Students in Dudley attend schools that are part of the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District. These include:

• Mason Road School: For students in Pre-Kindergarten through 1st grade.
• Dudley Elementary School: For students in 2nd through 4th grade.
• Dudley Middle School: For students in 5th through 8th grade.
• Shepherd Hill Regional High School: For students in 9th through 12th grade. This high school also serves students from the nearby town of Charlton.

Students in Dudley also have the choice to attend Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School. This school offers vocational and technical training for grades 9-12.

Historic Places to Visit

Dudley has some interesting historic sites. These places help us learn about the town's past.

• Black Tavern (built in 1803)
• Stevens Linen Works Historic District

Notable People from Dudley

Many interesting people have connections to Dudley. Here are a few:

• James Blood: A Civil War officer. He was also the second husband of Victoria Woodhull, who was a suffragist and the first woman to run for President of the United States.
• Jacob P. Chamberlain: A former member of the U.S. Congress.
• Chris Lindstrom: An American football player who plays as a guard for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League.
• Leo Martello: A Wiccan priest and an activist for civil rights.
• William Whiting II: A former U.S. Congressman, a leader in the paper industry, and someone who gave a lot to charity.

Images for kids

• 

  War Monument by sculptor John A. Wilson

• 

  Seal of Dudley, Massachusetts

• 

  Location of Dudley in Worcester County, Massachusetts

See also

In Spanish: Dudley (Massachusetts) para niños