Westminster, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westminster, Massachusetts
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Westminster Historic District
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Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Massachusetts | |
| County | Worcester | |
| Settled | 1737 | |
| District | October 20, 1759 | |
| Town | April 26, 1770 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Open town meeting | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 37.3 sq mi (96.7 km2) | |
| • Land | 35.5 sq mi (92.0 km2) | |
| • Water | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km2) | |
| Elevation | 1,080 ft (329 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 8,213 | |
| • Density | 220.19/sq mi (84.93/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (Eastern) | |
| ZIP Code |
01473
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| Area code(s) | 351/978 | |
| FIPS code | 25-77010 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0618393 | |
Westminster is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA. In 2020, about 8,213 people lived there.
Contents
History of Westminster
People from Europe first settled in Westminster in 1737. It became an official town in 1759.
Some of Westminster's old buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Ahijah Wood House and the Nathan Wood House. The Ezra Wood-Levi Warner Place is also listed. The Westminster Village-Academy Hill Historic District is another important site.
Westminster was once home to Westminster Academy. This school was started in 1833.
In 1909, the town celebrated its 150th birthday. A big parade was held with floats and music. A book was published about the celebration and the town's history.
In 2014, the town's health board suggested a new rule. They proposed stopping all sales of tobacco products.
Geography of Westminster
Westminster covers about 37.3 square miles (96.7 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. About 1.8 square miles (4.7 square kilometers) is water.
The town is surrounded by several other towns. To the north is Ashburnham. Gardner is to the west. To the southwest is Hubbardston. Princeton is to the south. Leominster and Fitchburg are to the east.
Population in Westminster
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1850 | 1,914 | — |
| 1860 | 1,840 | −3.9% |
| 1870 | 1,770 | −3.8% |
| 1880 | 1,652 | −6.7% |
| 1890 | 1,688 | +2.2% |
| 1900 | 1,327 | −21.4% |
| 1910 | 1,353 | +2.0% |
| 1920 | 1,343 | −0.7% |
| 1930 | 1,925 | +43.3% |
| 1940 | 2,126 | +10.4% |
| 1950 | 2,768 | +30.2% |
| 1960 | 4,022 | +45.3% |
| 1970 | 4,273 | +6.2% |
| 1980 | 5,139 | +20.3% |
| 1990 | 6,191 | +20.5% |
| 2000 | 6,907 | +11.6% |
| 2010 | 7,277 | +5.4% |
| 2020 | 8,213 | +12.9% |
| 2023* | 8,377 | +2.0% |
| * = population estimate. Source: United States Census records and Population Estimates Program data. |
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In 2000, about 6,907 people lived in Westminster. There were 2,529 homes. Most people were White. A small number of people were African American, Native American, or Asian. Some people were of Hispanic or Latino background.
Many families lived in the town. About 37% of homes had children under 18. Most homes were married couples living together.
The average age of people in Westminster was 39 years old.
Economy and Businesses
From 1828 to 1970, Westminster was known for the Westminster Cracker Company.
Today, several businesses are located here. These include the U.S. Corporate Sales & Marketing division of SimplexGrinnell. The Distribution Center of Aubuchon Hardware is also in town. You can also find the Wachusett Brewing Company here.
Arts and Culture
The Forbush Memorial Library was opened in 1868. In 2022, the town spent money to support this public library.
Education in Westminster
Westminster is part of a school district with Ashburnham. This is called the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District.
The town has two schools for younger students. The Meetinghouse School is for students in kindergarten and first grade. Westminster Elementary School teaches grades 2 through 5.
Older students attend other schools. Middle school students go to Overlook Middle School. High school students attend Oakmont Regional High School.
Students interested in trades can go to Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. This school is in nearby Fitchburg.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Public transportation in this area is provided by the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART). They operate a bus system.
The Wachusett station is nearby in West Fitchburg. This station is the end of the MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line.
Notable People from Westminster
Many interesting people have come from Westminster.
- Abijah Bigelow was a former U.S. Representative.
- Elizabeth Jordan Carr was the first American child born through IVF in the U.S.
- Gregory R. Ciottone is a Harvard professor and White House consultant. He is a leader in counter-terrorism medicine.
- Marcus A. Coolidge was a former U.S. Senator.
- John Ainsworth Dunn was a skilled furniture maker.
- Avery Yale Kamila is a journalist.
- George M. Lane was a former U.S. ambassador to North Yemen.
- Nelson A. Miles was a former Commanding General of the United States Army.
- William H. Upham fought in the Battle of Bull Run. He also became the 18th Governor of Wisconsin.
See also
In Spanish: Westminster (Massachusetts) para niños
