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East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
East Bridgewater Common
East Bridgewater Common
Official seal of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Seal
Nickname(s): 
The Bridge
Location in Plymouth County in Massachusetts
Location in Plymouth County in Massachusetts
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Plymouth
Settled 1649
Incorporated 1823
Government
 • Type Open town meeting
Area
 • Total 17.5 sq mi (45.3 km2)
 • Land 17.2 sq mi (44.7 km2)
 • Water 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km2)
Elevation
84 ft (26 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 14,440
 • Density 825.1/sq mi (318.8/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
02333
Area code(s) 508 / 774
FIPS code 25-18455
GNIS feature ID 0618339

East Bridgewater is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, in the United States. About 14,440 people lived there in 2020. It is part of Massachusetts' 8th congressional district.

History of East Bridgewater

The area that is now East Bridgewater was first settled by Europeans in 1630. These early settlers came from the Plymouth and Duxbury areas.

For a long time, it was part of a larger town called Olde Bridgewater. It was known as the "East Parish" starting in 1723. Then, on June 14, 1823, it officially became its own separate town.

The town was located near the northern part of the Taunton River. At first, its economy was mostly based on farming. Later, industries started to grow. Iron factories in the town made muskets and cannons for the American armies during the American Revolution.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, more homes were built. This happened as rail and trolley lines made it easier to travel. Today, East Bridgewater is mostly known as a place where people live.

Geography of East Bridgewater

East Bridgewater covers about 17.5 square miles (45.3 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

The town is surrounded by other towns. To the north is Whitman. To the east is Hanson. Halifax is to the southeast. Bridgewater is to the south. West Bridgewater is to the west. And Brockton is to the northwest. East Bridgewater's town center is about 27 miles (43 kilometers) southeast of Boston.

East Bridgewater has many natural features like ponds, woods, and rivers. The Matfield River flows into the town. It then splits into the Satucket River and Poor Meadow Brook. Robbins Pond is the biggest body of water in town. It is located in the southeastern part of East Bridgewater. There is also a large wooded area called the Beaver Brook Beagle Club. It is in the northwestern part of town.

Population of East Bridgewater

Historical population
Year Pop. ±%
1850 2,545 —    
1860 3,207 +26.0%
1870 3,017 −5.9%
1880 2,710 −10.2%
1890 2,911 +7.4%
1900 3,025 +3.9%
1910 3,363 +11.2%
1920 3,486 +3.7%
1930 3,591 +3.0%
1940 3,832 +6.7%
1950 4,412 +15.1%
1960 6,139 +39.1%
1970 8,347 +36.0%
1980 9,945 +19.1%
1990 11,104 +11.7%
2000 12,974 +16.8%
2010 13,794 +6.3%
2020 14,440 +4.7%
2022* 14,338 −0.7%
* = population estimate.
Source: United States Census records and Population Estimates Program data.

In 2000, there were 12,974 people living in East Bridgewater. The population has grown over the years. By 2020, it reached 14,440 people.

Education in East Bridgewater

East Bridgewater has its own school system for its students. There are about 2,500 students in the town's schools.

  • The Central School is near the town hall. It serves students from pre-kindergarten up to second grade.
  • The Gordon W. Mitchell School is to the east of the town center. It teaches students from third through sixth grade.
  • East Bridgewater High School is also near the town hall. It is for students in seventh through twelfth grade.

Students can also choose to attend Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School. This school is in South Easton and is free for East Bridgewater students. There are also private schools in nearby towns. The Metro South Academy School, which helps students with special needs, is located in East Bridgewater.

The town is also close to several colleges. These include Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Stonehill College in Easton, and Bridgewater State University.

Religion in East Bridgewater

The Catholic Church of Saint John the Evangelist is located on Central Street. It works together with St Ann's church in West Bridgewater.

Transportation in East Bridgewater

Several main roads pass through East Bridgewater. Route 18 is a major road that goes north and south through the town center. Route 106 goes east and west through the southern part of town. Route 104 also touches the southern corner. Route 27 and Route 14 pass through the northeastern part of town. There are no major highways directly in East Bridgewater. However, Route 24 is nearby in the towns to the west.

The MBTA's commuter rail line passes through the western part of town. There are train stops in nearby Bridgewater and Brockton. You can also find stops in Hanson and Halifax. There is no airport in East Bridgewater. The closest major airport is Logan International Airport in Boston.

Notable people from East Bridgewater

  • John Cariani, actor
  • Manny Delcarmen, former Boston Red Sox pitcher
  • Joe Lauzon, UFC fighter
  • Dan Lauzon, MMA fighter, brother of Joe Lauzon
  • Dana LeVangie, former Boston Red Sox pitching coach
  • Francis Davis Millet, painter
  • Tom Everett Scott, actor
  • Ezekiel Whitman, former representative from Maine

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See also

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