kids encyclopedia robot

Wales, Massachusetts facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Wales, Massachusetts
Official seal of Wales, Massachusetts
Seal
Motto(s): 
The Past Our Heritage, The Future Our Legacy
Location in Hampden County in Massachusetts
Location in Hampden County in Massachusetts
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Hampden
Settled 1726
Incorporated 1775
Government
 • Type Open town meeting
Area
 • Total 15.9 sq mi (41.3 km2)
 • Land 15.7 sq mi (40.7 km2)
 • Water 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km2)
Elevation
949 ft (289 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,832
 • Density 114.89/sq mi (44.36/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
01081
Area code(s) 413
FIPS code 25-72390
GNIS feature ID 0619389

Wales is a small town in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. In 2020, about 1,832 people lived there. It is part of the larger Springfield area.

History of Wales

WalesHistoricalMarker
Stone marker at Wales historical cemetery commemorating the pioneers who founded the Town of Wales

Wales was first settled by European people in 1726. It officially became a town on August 23, 1775. Back then, it was called "South Brimfield."

The town's name changed to Wales on February 20, 1828. It was named after James Lawrence Wales, a person who helped the community. Some of the first settlers included Anthony Needham, John Bullen, and Samuel and Dorothy Munger.

The Munger family became very important in the town. Samuel Munger Jr. served as a selectman, which is like a local leader. He was also a deacon at the Baptist Church. Nathaniel Munger was part of a group of 12 men who helped solve problems in the area. He was also a deacon at the Baptist Church.

The "Meadow District" in Wales was once known as "Munger's Meadow." This area has graves of some of the very first people who settled in the town.

Geography of Wales

WalesMassPond
Pond at Wales, Massachusetts

Wales is located in the southeastern part of Hampden County. It covers about 41.3 square kilometers (15.9 square miles). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

The town shares its borders with other towns. To the west is Monson. To the south, it borders Stafford and Union, Connecticut in Connecticut. To the east is Holland, and to the north is Brimfield.

Massachusetts Route 19 is a main road that goes through Wales. This road leads north to Brimfield and south into Connecticut, where it becomes Connecticut Route 19 and goes to Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

Education in Wales

Wales has its own school for younger students called Wales Elementary School. This school teaches children from kindergarten up to sixth grade. It has its own special committee that helps run the school.

After elementary school, students from Wales go to Tantasqua Regional Junior High School for grades 7 and 8. Then, they attend Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge.

Wales Elementary School is part of School Union 61. The Tantasqua district and Union 61 share some leaders, like the superintendent. These school districts also include students from Brimfield, Brookfield, Holland, and Sturbridge.

Wales Public Library

WalesMassPublicLibrary
Wales Public Library

The Wales Public Library first opened its doors in 1897. It's a place where everyone in the town can go to read books, learn new things, and use computers. The town supports the library as an important resource for the community.

Population and People

In 2000, there were 1,737 people living in Wales. There were 660 households, and 481 of these were families. The town's population has grown over the years.

Here's how the population has changed:

  • 1850: 711 people
  • 1900: 773 people
  • 1950: 497 people
  • 2000: 1,737 people
  • 2010: 1,838 people
  • 2020: 1,832 people

See also

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

kids search engine
Wales, Massachusetts Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.