Holland, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Holland, Massachusetts
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Holland Public Library
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Location in Hampden County in Massachusetts
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Massachusetts | |
| County | Hampden | |
| Settled | 1725 | |
| Incorporated | 1783 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Open town meeting | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 13.1 sq mi (33.8 km2) | |
| • Land | 12.3 sq mi (31.8 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km2) | |
| Elevation | 743 ft (226 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,603 | |
| • Density | 199.5/sq mi (77.01/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (Eastern) | |
| ZIP Code |
01521
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| Area code(s) | 413 | |
| FIPS code | 25-30665 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0618185 | |
Holland is a small and charming town in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. In 2020, about 2,603 people lived there. Holland is known for its beautiful New England feel and fun outdoor activities. It's also part of the larger Springfield area.
The main part of the town is also a special area called a census-designated place known as Holland.
Contents
History of Holland
Early Settlement and Naming
The area that is now Holland was first settled in 1730 by Joseph Blodgett. His family's descendants still live in the town today!
The town was named after Lord Holland. He was an English statesman who supported the idea of the American colonies becoming independent.
Becoming a Town
Holland officially became its own town on July 5, 1783. Before that, it was part of the town of Wales. Wales had separated from Brimfield a few years earlier. Holland separated from Wales because the center of Wales was up a mountain, which made travel difficult.
Past Industries and Recreation Today
For many years, Holland has kept its traditional New England village charm. In the past, people in Holland worked in farming, making cloth, and brickmaking.
Today, Holland is mostly known for its fun outdoor activities. You can find many recreational spots at the Hamilton Reservoir. The state of Massachusetts even adds trout to the reservoir each year for fishing! There is also a park and a swimming area at the lovely Lake Siog.
Town Hall Fire
In December 1995, the town hall, which was 200 years old, was destroyed in a fire. A new town hall was built and opened on July 11, 1998. Congressman Richard Neal from Springfield helped dedicate the new building.
Geography of Holland
Holland is located in the southeastern part of Hampden County in western Massachusetts. The Quinebaug River flows through the town.
One of the biggest water bodies in southern New England is the Hamilton Reservoir, which is also in Holland. The town is surrounded by two hill ranges. Some spots, like Rattlesnake Mountain, are more than 1,100 feet (335 meters) high!
Neighboring Towns and Travel
Holland shares its borders with several other towns. To the east is Sturbridge in Worcester County. To the south is Union, Connecticut. To the west is Wales, and to the north is Brimfield.
Holland is about 32 miles (51 km) east of Springfield. It's also about 26 miles (42 km) southwest of Worcester. If you're coming from Hartford, Connecticut, it's about 40 miles (64 km) northeast. Interstate 84 briefly touches Holland's southeastern corner near the Massachusetts–Connecticut border.
Population of Holland
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1850 | 449 | — |
| 1860 | 419 | −6.7% |
| 1870 | 344 | −17.9% |
| 1880 | 302 | −12.2% |
| 1890 | 201 | −33.4% |
| 1900 | 169 | −15.9% |
| 1910 | 145 | −14.2% |
| 1920 | 153 | +5.5% |
| 1930 | 137 | −10.5% |
| 1940 | 247 | +80.3% |
| 1950 | 377 | +52.6% |
| 1960 | 561 | +48.8% |
| 1970 | 931 | +66.0% |
| 1980 | 1,589 | +70.7% |
| 1990 | 2,185 | +37.5% |
| 2000 | 2,407 | +10.2% |
| 2010 | 2,481 | +3.1% |
| 2020 | 2,603 | +4.9% |
| 2022 | 2,573 | −1.2% |
Source: United States Census records and Population Estimates Program data. |
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In 2010, there were 2,481 people living in Holland. Most of the people in town were White (96.9%). A small number of people were Black, Native American, Asian, or from other backgrounds. About 2.3% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Holland in 2010 was about 42.6 years old. About 21.2% of the population was under 18 years old.
Education in Holland
Holland has its own school called Holland Elementary School. This school teaches students from Pre-Kindergarten up to 6th grade.
After elementary school, Holland students attend Tantasqua Regional Junior High School for grades 7–8. They then go to Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge. Holland shares school administrators, including the superintendent, with nearby towns like Brimfield, Brookfield, Sturbridge, and Wales.
Notable people
- Carl Beane (1952–2012), a famous announcer for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
- Joel Crouse (born 1992), a country music singer.
- Dick and Rick Hoyt (1940–2021 and 1962–2023), a father-and-son team famous for completing marathons and triathlons together.
- Ephraim Paddock (1780–1859), a judge on the Vermont Supreme Court.
See also
In Spanish: Holland (Massachusetts) para niños
