Sutton, Massachusetts
Sutton is a small town situated in Worcester County in the US State of Massachusetts. The town was designated a Preserve America Community in 2004, thanks to which it has managed to remain connected with local heritage and history. In line with this, Sutton is home to many natural experiences, whether a hike along the Purgatory Chasm or a kayaking trip in the Singletary Lake. So, tourists and locals alike can enjoy themselves in this quaint town without the stress of urban life.
Geography And Climate Of Sutton
The Town of Sutton covers a total area of 87.9 sq. km. which is divided into 83.9 sq. km. of land and approximately 4 sq. km. of water. The land area is segregated into five villages which are located evenly throughout the town. Apart from this, Sutton borders a total of 6 towns, including Oxford, Northbridge, and Douglas. As for the 5% of the town, which is comprised of water, it is split primarily between Singletary Pond in the north and Manchaug Pond near the southwest border. Sutton has an elevation of 215m which is one of the highest throughout the state of Massachusets.
Located near the southern end of Massachusets, Sutton experiences a humid continental climate according to the Koppen Climate Classification. This means that the town has low cold temperatures and higher warm temperatures giving it quite a vast stretch throughout the year. Specifically, winters can see temperatures going as low as -7.2 °C, with summers going up to 26.7 °C. In terms of precipitation, Sutton gets an average of 50 inches of rain per year, which is much more than the United States average of 28 inches per year. The area also receives rainfall for 127 days of the year which consists of both rain and snow depending on the season.
Brief History Of Sutton
The history of Sutton starts off in the 1600s when a Nipmuc by the name of Johan Wampas deeded the land that is now Sutton to Edward Pratt on a trip to England. The area consisted of thousands of acres of land, and when Edward came to the US some years late, he ended up selling the rights of this land to various other Englishmen. These sales led to multiple legal disputes, which were eventually cleared by the Massachusetts General Court in 1704 and saw the true rise of Sutton as a town. The initial settlers were quick to move in, and by 1718, the first town meeting was held with thirty-odd families residing within the town’s limits. While the 1800s were filled with war and, subsequently, farmland growth throughout Sutton, it was in the 1900s that the American Industrial Revolution brought about immense industrialization. This was most prominent in the form of mills, tool shops, and more which brought in a large number of immigrants from Canada, Italy, Germany, and other nations. It wasn’t until recently, in the late 19th century, that the industries began to move out of Sutton, and it began to shift towards more of a residential town. The preserved mills and shops are mostly present throughout the town’s industrial hub. Sutton is now a town known more for its greenery, beauty, and peaceful nature.
The Population And Economy Of Sutton
Based on the latest US Census, the population of Sutton Town is 9,357 individuals. The population density of the town is 110 individuals per sq. km, which is much lower than the state average in Massachusetts. Throughout this population, the dominant racial demographics within Sutton are as follows: 92.2% White alone, 3.9% Two or more races, 2.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. Apart from these, multiple other races such as Asians make up the remainder of 2%. The median household income of Sutton is $109,375, with less than 3.1% of people living below the poverty line. This is much lower than the national average, which is approximately 10% of people living in poverty. Apart from that, the average value of a house in Sutton is $365,700, which is much lower than the state average.
Attractions In Sutton
Purgatory Chasm
The Purgatory Chasm is a state reservation and protected natural area within Sutton. The reserve is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and is known to be one of the best places to visit in the town. It has also been around for many years, gaining its status as a state park back in 1919. Along with just roaming around the reserve, you can also spend your day rock climbing or hiking through the beautiful and picturesque Sutton forests.
Singletary Lake
Singletary Lake is a large pond that spans over 300 acres along the Millbury-Sutton border. The lake is full of various species of fish such as Perch, Bass, and even Golden Shiners. Apart from this, it is a great place to spend your day with prominent fishing spots as well as a boat ramp for kayaking and short trips.
Manchaug Waterfall
One of the most scenic locations in the town of Sutton, the Manchaug waterfall, is a true work of art. Supplied by hidden underground tunnels, the waterfall is located in southwest Sutton and seems to have a limitless supply of unseen water. Apart from this, getting there is also easy using the short walking trail that is built into the area.
