Oakland, Massachusetts facts for kids
Oakland is one of the five main historic neighborhoods in the city of Taunton, Massachusetts, in the United States. These neighborhoods are special areas within the city, even though they aren't official census zones.
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Where is Oakland?
Oakland Village is in the northwest part of Taunton. The center of the village is where Tremont Street, Worcester Street, and North Walker Street meet. Oakland is next to the North Taunton and Whittenton neighborhoods on the east. To the west, it borders the Westville neighborhood. The town of Norton is to the northwest.
The main road through Oakland is Tremont Street. This road was once called the Bristol Path. It was an important route for stagecoaches going to what is now Bristol, Rhode Island. Worcester Street was also a major stagecoach route to the town of Worcester.
Historic Buildings and Parks
The first schoolhouse in Oakland is still standing at 4 North Walker Street. This old school building was later used as a fire station. Today, the Lion's Club uses it. Another Oakland School closed in 1954. It is now an apartment building.
The Benjamin Friedman Middle School and the Joseph Chamberlain Elementary School are on Norton Avenue. The Taunton Nursing Home is also on Norton Avenue. The Taunton Western Little League Complex is located here too.
Oakland has several cemeteries. The Oakland Cemetery is on Glebe Street. St Francis Catholic Cemetery and Mt Nebo Jewish Cemetery are also on Glebe Street. The old St Thomas Church Cemetery is on Tremont Street.
Woodward Spring Park is a nice place to visit. It is along the Three Mile River. You can find it where Harvey Street and Norton Avenue meet. This park was created in 1809 for people to enjoy. It became a public park in 1881.
The oldest home in Taunton is in Oakland. It's at 28 Worcester Street. Joseph Willis built this saltbox-style home in 1688.
Oakland's Natural Features
Most of Oakland has lots of trees and forests. There are also swamps and small bodies of water. The area feels very rural, with large yards and open spaces. You won't find many farms or businesses here.
The main river in Oakland is the Three Mile River. It starts in Norton and flows through Oakland. Then it goes into the Westville part of Taunton. Native Americans once called this river the Nistoquohonock River.
Getting Around Oakland
Route 140 is the only major road in Oakland. The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) provides public transportation. Their buses travel along Tremont Street/Route 140. They also go into the town of Norton.
Tremont Street is the longest and busiest road in Oakland. It is part of Route 140 for most of its way through the neighborhood. Then, it separates from Route 140. Tremont Street continues into the town of Rehoboth.
Schools in Oakland
Oakland has a middle school and two elementary schools. The Benjamin Friedman School on Norton Avenue is the middle school. The Edmund Hatch Bennett School on North Walker Street and the Joseph Chamberlain School on Norton Avenue are the elementary schools.
Community Services
Oakland does not have its own police station. However, there is a fire station and an engine for the Oakland area. It is located on North Walker Street.
