Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
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Location in Franklin County in Massachusetts
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Franklin |
| Towns | Shelburne, Buckland |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.71 sq mi (7.03 km2) |
| • Land | 2.63 sq mi (6.81 km2) |
| • Water | 0.08 sq mi (0.22 km2) |
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,719 |
| • Density | 653.86/sq mi (252.45/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
01370
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| Area code(s) | 413 |
| FIPS code | 25-61205 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0608657 |
Shelburne Falls is a charming village located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It's actually part of two towns: Shelburne and Buckland. In 2020, about 1,719 people lived here. It's known for its history and beautiful scenery.
Contents
Shelburne Falls: A Look Back in Time
Shelburne Falls has an interesting past, especially when it comes to making things!
The Story of Silas Lamson
In the 1800s, a clever inventor named Silas Lamson lived here. He made tools for farming, like scythe handles. A scythe is a long tool used to cut hay or wheat.
In 1834, Silas invented a new way to make scythe handles. His handles had a special curve that made them easier to use. This was a big improvement for farmers!
Lamson & Goodnow Company
Three years later, Silas teamed up with his sons and another person named Abel Goodnow. They started a company called Lamson & Goodnow. They made knives and other cutting tools.
By the time of the Civil War, their company was very successful. It employed more than 500 people, making it one of the biggest knife makers in the United States. Today, the company still exists as Lamson and even has a store in Shelburne Falls.
Shelburne Falls: Its Location and Landscape
Shelburne Falls is a scenic place with natural features.
Rivers and Mountains
The Deerfield River flows right through the middle of Shelburne Falls. East of the village, you can see Massaemett Mountain rising up.
Size and Roads
The village covers an area of about 6.8 square kilometers (2.6 square miles). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Several important roads pass through Shelburne Falls. Massachusetts Route 2, also known as the Mohawk Trail, is one of them. Other routes include 2A and 112. Route 2A is the main road that goes through the village itself.
Who Lives in Shelburne Falls?
In 2020, the population of Shelburne Falls was 1,719 people.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 1,719 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 1,951 people living here. Most residents were White (about 96.92%). A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds. About 0.82% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Shelburne Falls in 2000 was 41 years old. About 21.8% of the population was under 18 years old.
Fun Things to See and Do
Shelburne Falls has some unique and interesting places to visit.
Famous Attractions
- The Bridge of Flowers: This used to be a bridge for trolleys, but now it's covered in beautiful flowers! It crosses over the Deerfield River.
- Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: Here, you can learn about old trolley cars and even ride some of them.
Historic Places
Some places in Shelburne Falls are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Shelburne Falls Historic District and the Odd Fellows' Hall.
Filming Location
You might have seen Shelburne Falls on TV! The show Dexter: New Blood was filmed here. In the show, Shelburne Falls was called Iron Lake, New York.
Famous Faces from Shelburne Falls
Some well-known people have connections to Shelburne Falls:
- Bill Cosby, a comedian
- Camille Cosby
- Halbert S. Greenleaf, a former US congressman
- Silas Lamson, who helped start the Lamson & Goodnow knife factory
- Epaphroditus Ransom, who was the seventh Governor of Michigan
- Linus Yale Jr., who helped create the Yale Lock Company
Shelburne Falls' Sister Village
In 2007, the towns of Buckland and Shelburne made a special connection with a village in China called Mutianyu. They became the first known "sister villages." This means they agreed to have a friendly relationship and share culture.
See also
In Spanish: Shelburne Falls para niños
