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Goshen, Massachusetts facts for kids

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Goshen, Massachusetts
John James Memorial Library
John James Memorial Library
Flag of Goshen, Massachusetts
Flag
Official seal of Goshen, Massachusetts
Seal
Nickname(s): 
G-Town
Location in Hampshire County in Massachusetts
Location in Hampshire County in Massachusetts
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Hampshire
Settled 1761
Incorporated 1781
Government
 • Type Open town meeting
Area
 • Total 17.7 sq mi (45.9 km2)
 • Land 17.4 sq mi (45.0 km2)
 • Water 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km2)
Elevation
1,368 ft (417 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 960
 • Density 54.2/sq mi (20.92/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
01032
Area code(s) 413
FIPS code 25-26290
GNIS feature ID 0619391
Website www.goshen-ma.us

Goshen is a small town located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in the United States. In 2020, about 960 people lived there. It's part of the larger Springfield area.

Goshen has a quiet, country feel. You'll find a general store, a post office, a fire station, and a town hall. Kids in Goshen go to an elementary school in nearby Chesterfield. The town is home to two beautiful lakes: Upper Highland Lake and Lower Highland Lake. Upper Highland Lake is part of the D.A.R. State Forest, a public park. Lower Highland Lake is privately owned by families who live there or visit for the summer.

History of Goshen

Goshen was first settled by people in 1761. It officially became a town on May 14, 1781. This means it was given the right to govern itself.

Goshen is known for its natural beryl deposits. Beryl is a type of mineral. A clear, colorless type of beryl was first found here. Because of this, it was named goshenite by people who work with gems.

Goshen was originally part of the town of Chesterfield.

Historic Places in Town

  • The Goshen Historical Commission Museum is a place where you can learn about the town's past.

Population and People

Historical population
Year Pop. ±%
1850 512 —    
1860 439 −14.3%
1870 368 −16.2%
1880 327 −11.1%
1890 297 −9.2%
1900 316 +6.4%
1910 279 −11.7%
1920 224 −19.7%
1930 248 +10.7%
1940 237 −4.4%
1950 321 +35.4%
1960 385 +19.9%
1970 483 +25.5%
1980 651 +34.8%
1990 830 +27.5%
2000 921 +11.0%
2010 1,054 +14.4%
2020 960 −8.9%
2022* 947 −1.4%
* = population estimate.

In 2000, about 921 people lived in Goshen. There were 365 households, which are groups of people living together. Most people in Goshen are White.

The average household had about 2.5 people. The average family had about 2.9 people.

The town's population includes people of all ages. About 22% of the people were under 18 years old. About 11% were 65 years or older. The average age in Goshen was 41 years old.

Geography of Goshen

Goshen covers a total area of about 17.7 square miles (45.9 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, and a small part is water.

Goshen is in a unique spot! It is one of only two towns in the United States that is within 29 miles of four different states. Goshen is close to:

Education in Goshen

Goshen is part of the Hampshire Regional School district. This district also includes the towns of Chesterfield, Southampton, Westhampton, and Williamsburg.

Younger students in Goshen, from kindergarten to 6th grade, go to New Hingham Regional Elementary School. This school is located in Chesterfield. For high school, students attend Hampshire Regional High School.

Fun Places to Visit

  • D.A.R. State Forest: This is a large public forest managed by the state. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
  • Camp Howe: A summer camp for kids.
  • The Institute for the Musical Arts: A place for music education and performances.
  • Three Sisters Sanctuary Arts & Performance space: An outdoor art space with unique sculptures and events.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Goshen (Massachusetts) para niños

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