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Templeton, Massachusetts facts for kids

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Templeton, Massachusetts
First Church of Templeton
First Church of Templeton
Official seal of Templeton, Massachusetts
Seal
Motto(s): 
"Industry"
Location in Worcester County and Massachusetts.
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Worcester
Settled 1751
Incorporated 1762
Government
 • Type Open town meeting
Area
 • Total 32.4 sq mi (83.9 km2)
 • Land 32.0 sq mi (83.0 km2)
 • Water 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km2)
Elevation
1,141 ft (348 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 8,149
 • Density 251.5/sq mi (97.13/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes
01436, 01438, 01468
Area code(s) 351/978
FIPS code 25-69275
GNIS feature ID 0619492
Website www.TempletonMA.gov

Templeton is a friendly town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, in the United States. In 2020, about 8,149 people lived here. Templeton is made up of four main villages: Templeton Center, East Templeton, Baldwinville, and Otter River.

Exploring Templeton's Location and Size

Templeton covers a total area of about 32.4 square miles. Most of this area, about 32.0 square miles, is land. The remaining 0.4 square miles is water, which is about 1.17% of the total area.

Where is Templeton Located?

Templeton shares its borders with several other towns. To the north, you'll find Royalston and Winchendon. Gardner is to the east, and Hubbardston is to the southeast. To the west, Templeton borders Phillipston.

Who Lives in Templeton? A Look at the Population

The population of Templeton has grown steadily over the years. In 1850, there were 2,173 people living here. By 2020, the population had increased to 8,149. In 2023, it was estimated to be around 8,261 people.

Historical population
Year Pop. ±%
1850 2,173 —    
1860 2,816 +29.6%
1870 2,802 −0.5%
1880 2,789 −0.5%
1890 2,999 +7.5%
1900 3,489 +16.3%
1910 3,756 +7.7%
1920 4,019 +7.0%
1930 4,159 +3.5%
1940 4,601 +10.6%
1950 4,757 +3.4%
1960 5,371 +12.9%
1970 5,863 +9.2%
1980 6,070 +3.5%
1990 6,438 +6.1%
2000 6,799 +5.6%
2010 8,013 +17.9%
2020 8,149 +1.7%
2023* 8,261 +1.4%
* = population estimate.
Source: United States Census records and Population Estimates Program data.

What is the Population Density?

In 2000, there were about 212 people living per square mile in Templeton. There were 2,411 households, which are groups of people living together. About 1,808 of these were families.

Who Makes Up the Community?

Most people in Templeton are White, making up about 98.15% of the population in 2000. Other groups include African American, Native American, and Asian residents. About 1.44% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Many residents have European roots. For example, 19.2% had French ancestry. Other common backgrounds include French Canadian, Irish, Italian, English, Polish, and Finnish.

How Old Are Templeton Residents?

In 2000, the average age in Templeton was 38 years old. About 26.1% of the population was under 18. People aged 25 to 44 made up the largest group, at 31.1%. About 12.9% of residents were 65 or older.

Learning in Templeton: Schools and Library

Templeton is part of the Narragansett Regional School District. This district also includes the town of Phillipston.

What Schools Are in Templeton?

Younger students attend Templeton Memorial School for elementary grades. Middle school students go to Narragansett Regional Middle School. High school students attend Narragansett Regional High School.

Templeton's Public Library

1891 Templeton public library Massachusetts
Boynton Public Library (1891), named after John Boynton, a generous businessman.

The Boynton Public Library in Templeton opened in 1868. It was named after John Boynton. He was a businessman and gave a lot of money to good causes. In 2008, the town spent about $53,608 on the library. This was about $6 per person each year.

Famous People from Templeton

Many interesting people have come from Templeton. Here are a few:

  • Stephen Pearl Andrews (1812–1886) was a writer who believed in individual freedom.
  • John Boynton was a businessman and helped start Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
  • George A. Fuller (1851–1900) was an architect. He helped create modern skyscrapers and the way buildings are constructed today.
  • William Goodell (1792-1867) was a missionary. He was the first person to translate the Bible into Armeno-Turkish.
  • Sarah Goodridge (1788–1853) was a talented painter. Her sister, Elizabeth Goodridge (1798–1882), was also a miniaturist.
  • Mike Kelley (1875–1955) was a professional baseball player.
  • Sylvanus Sawyer (1822–1895) was an inventor and businessman.
  • Jonathan Baldwin Turner (1805–1899) was a scholar and activist.

Outdoor Fun: Otter River State Forest

Otter River State Forest is a great place for outdoor activities. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The forest is located near Beamon Pond.

You can find 85 campsites there if you want to go camping. There's also a swimming beach, picnic areas for meals, and a ball field for sports.

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