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{{about|the town in [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol County]], [[Massachusetts]]|the [[census-designated place]] and village situated therein|Norton Center, Massachusetts}} |
{{about|the town in [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol County]], [[Massachusetts]]|the [[census-designated place]] and village situated therein|Norton Center, Massachusetts}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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|official_name = Norton, Massachusetts |
|official_name = Town of Norton|name=Norton, Massachusetts |
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|image_caption = Norton Town Common |
|image_caption = Norton Town Common |
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|image_seal = Seal of Norton, Massachusetts.png |
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|image_map = Bristol County Massachusetts incorporated and unincorporated areas Norton highlighted.svg |
|image_map = Bristol County Massachusetts incorporated and unincorporated areas Norton highlighted.svg |
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|government_type = [[Open town meeting]] |
|government_type = [[Open town meeting]] |
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|leader_title = <!--[[Town Manager|Town<br> Manager]]--> |
|leader_title = <!--[[Town Manager|Town<br /> Manager]]--> |
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|leader_name = |
|leader_name = |
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|leader_title1 = <!--Board of <br> Selectmen--> |
|leader_title1 = <!--Board of <br /> Selectmen--> |
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'''Norton''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol County]], [[Massachusetts]], United States, and contains the |
'''Norton''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol County]], [[Massachusetts]], United States, and contains the villages of [[Norton Center, Massachusetts|Norton Center]] and [[Chartley, Massachusetts|Chartley]]. The population was 19,202 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US2500549970|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 10, 2021|title=Census - Geography Profile: Norton town, Bristol County, Massachusetts}}</ref> Home of [[Wheaton College (Massachusetts)|Wheaton College]], Norton hosted the [[Dell Technologies Championship]], a [[golf tournament|tournament]] of the [[PGA Tour]] held annually on the [[Labor Day]] holiday weekend at the [[TPC Boston]] golf club until 2018. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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[[File:Norton, Massachusetts (2673698271).jpg|thumb|left|In 1801]] |
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Winnecunnet Lake was an ancient fishing, camping, hunting and planting site used by Pokanoket and Massachusett families for generations. <ref>George Faber Clarke, "History of Norton" 1859, p. 51.</ref> Rivers running through the town provided routes south to the Taunton River, and north to Lake Massapoag and the upland forests of present-day Foxboro and Sharon. Where two of Norton’s main rivers converged — above Wading and Rumford Rivers— a thick cedar swamp once stood and served as a refuge. Later, during King Philip’s War, “a group of twenty Taunton men, fearing attack… followed the Three Mile River to its confluence… the Coweset (Wading) and Rumford Rivers and the thick swamp between them,”<ref>(Lisa Brooks, 2018, "Our Beloved Kin, p. 324.</ref> attacking the women and children who were sheltering there during wartime, murdering Weetamoo, the saunkskwa of Pocasset.<ref> Lisa Brooks, 2018, "Our Beloved Kin," p. 34.</ref> |
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[[File:1794 Plan of Norton.png|left|thumb|Sketch of Norton in 1794, by Silas Cobb]] |
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Norton remained unsettled by English colonists for many years after their arrival. But by the late 1640s, the townships of Rehoboth and Taunton were looking to expand their bounds to the north, south, and west. The settlement of Rehoboth bough the lands above it— what would become Attleboro— from Wamsutta in the 1666 North Purchase.<ref>Leonard Bliss, "History of Rehoboth, 1836, pg. 50.</ref> Taunton, too, was looking to acquire more land for raising meadows and pastureland, and having access to timber for construction and fuel.<ref> Emery, "History of Taunton," p. 103, 108.</ref> The forests and swampland of Norton were first legally settled by European colonists after the Taunton North Purchase in 1668. <ref>Emery, "History of Taunton," p. 109.</ref> This deed of purchase from Metacomet entitled the men of Taunton to the lands above their current settlement— in the upland forests, cedar swamps, rivers, meadows, and lakes that would become established as Norton, Mansfield, and Easton. In 1686, more payments to access rights of the North Purchase lands were also made by Taunton men to Josias, a descendent of Chickatabut.<ref>Henry Williams, 1880, “Was Elizabeth Pool the First Purchaser,” Old Colony Historical Society, p. 51.</ref> |
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Norton was first settled in 1669 and was called North Taunton for its location on the northern border of [[Taunton, Massachusetts]]. |
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The town was renamed "Norton"—after Norton, [[Oxfordshire]], England, where many early settlers had originated<ref>{{cite book | last = Clark | first = George Faber | title = A History of the Town of Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, from 1669 to 1859 | publisher = Crosby, Nichols, and Company | year = 1859 | url = https://archive.org/details/ahistorytownnor01clargoog | pages = [https://archive.org/details/ahistorytownnor01clargoog/page/n70 34], 35}}</ref>—when the town was officially established on March 17, 1710. Parts of Norton were set out as [[Easton, Massachusetts|Easton]] on December 21, 1725, and as [[Mansfield, Massachusetts|Mansfield]] on April 26, 1770.<ref>[http://media.townonline.com/patriotledger/documents/answerbook/norton.pdf Norton: Your Town]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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The lands of Norton remained unsettled by [[British colonization of the Americas|English colonists]] for many years after their initial arrival on the eastern Massachusetts coast. But by the late 1640s, the townships of [[Rehoboth, Massachusetts|Rehoboth]] and [[Taunton, Massachusetts|Taunton]] were looking to expand their boundaries further inland. The settlement of Rehoboth bought the lands north of it—what would become [[Attleboro, Massachusetts|Attleboro]]—from [[Wamsutta]] in the 1666 North Purchase.<ref>Leonard Bliss, "History of Rehoboth, 1836, pg. 50.</ref> The residents of Taunton were also looking to acquire more land to develop, cutting the forest back and using felled timber to feed construction and fuel industries, and settle the cleared grounds into meadows and pastureland.<ref>Emery, "History of Taunton," p. 103, 108.</ref> Norton was first legally settled by European colonists after the Taunton North Purchase in 1668.<ref>Emery, "History of Taunton," p. 109.</ref> This deed of purchase from [[Metacomet]] entitled the residents of Taunton to the lands north of their current settlement—the forests, cedar swamps, rivers, meadows, and lakes that would become established as Norton, Mansfield, and Easton. In 1686, more payments to access the North Purchase lands were made by Taunton men to [[Wompatuck]], a descendent of [[Chickatawbut]].<ref>Henry Williams, 1880, “Was Elizabeth Pool the First Purchaser,” Old Colony Historical Society, p. 51.</ref> During [[King Philip’s War]], “a group of twenty Taunton men, fearing attack" against their settlement "followed the Three Mile River to its confluence… at the Coweset (Wading) and Rumford Rivers and the thick swamp between them,”<ref>(Lisa Brooks, 2018, "Our Beloved Kin," p. 324.</ref> attacking women and children who were sheltering there. In this fight, at Norton's so-called "Lockety Neck," the men murdered or otherwise participated in the killing of [[Weetamoo]], the female [[sachem]] of the [[Wampanoag|Pocasset Wampanoag]] people.<ref>Lisa Brooks, 2018, "Our Beloved Kin," p. 34.</ref> There is a memorial plaque on Pine Street commemorating her and other Wampanoag families killed in this attack.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/historical-war-site-marked-in-norton/article_e9e5808e-08fb-5bee-807b-55255f838074.html | title=Historical war site marked in Norton | date=May 25, 2010 }}</ref> |
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[[Metacomet]], the [[Wampanoag people|Wampanoag]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Indian]] [[sachem]] also known as "King Phillip", is said to have camped at a cave here near the end of [[King Philip's War]]. According to one source, "Every Norton school child has been entertained with the legend of [[King Phillip's Cave (Massachusetts)|King Phillip's Cave]]."<ref>[http://www.mamantapett.com/about_mgalinks/history.html MGA Links at Mamantapett] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206225009/http://www.mamantapett.com/about_mgalinks/history.html |date=2006-02-06 }}</ref> |
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When Norton was first settled in 1669 it was called North Taunton for its location on the northern border of [[Taunton, Massachusetts]]. |
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The town was renamed "Norton"—after Norton, [[Oxfordshire]], England, where many early settlers had originated<ref>{{cite book | last = Clark | first = George Faber | title = A History of the Town of Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, from 1669 to 1859 | publisher = Crosby, Nichols, and Company | year = 1859 | url = https://archive.org/details/ahistorytownnor01clargoog | pages = [https://archive.org/details/ahistorytownnor01clargoog/page/n70 34], 35}}</ref>—when the town was officially established on March 17, 1710. Parts of Norton were set out as [[Easton, Massachusetts|Easton]] on December 21, 1725, and as [[Mansfield, Massachusetts|Mansfield]] on April 26, 1770.<ref>[http://media.townonline.com/patriotledger/documents/answerbook/norton.pdf Norton: Your Town]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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[[Metacomet]], the [[Wampanoag people|Wampanoag]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Indian]] [[sachem]] also known as "King Phillip", used to camp at a cave made by huge glacial rocks resting on top of each other, just north-east of Lake Winnecunnet. Every Norton school child has been entertained with the legend of [[King Phillip's Cave (Massachusetts)|King Phillip's Cave]].<ref>[http://www.mamantapett.com/about_mgalinks/history.html MGA Links at Mamantapett] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206225009/http://www.mamantapett.com/about_mgalinks/history.html |date=February 6, 2006 }}</ref> |
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The bandstand within the town center was originally erected using donated funds during the first [[Gulf War]], in honor of the veterans who served from Norton. |
The bandstand within the town center was originally erected using donated funds during the first [[Gulf War]], in honor of the veterans who served from Norton. |
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In elementary school, students were told the story of the "Devil's Foot Print", where Major George Leonard sold his soul to the devil.<ref>https://archive.org/details/devilsfootprints00yell/page/28/mode/2up Yelle, The Devil's Footprints and Other Sketches of Old Norton, p. 28.</ref> The devil's foot print can be seen at Norton's Joseph C. Solmonese Elementary School, on land which was once Leonard's farmland. Every 26 years, the school unburies a time capsule, the last of which was buried in 1999. The time capsule will be opened next in 2026. ''[[The Sun Chronicle]]'' describes: |
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<blockquote>So it was in December 1997, when a [[traffic light]] was installed at the intersection of [[Massachusetts Route 123|routes 123]] and 140 in Norton. It was the town's first full traffic light and, in a manner of speaking, it declared "Norton isn't [[Mayberry]] anymore."<ref>[http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2007/10/18/opinion/opinion01.txt Sun Chronicle Online]</ref></blockquote> |
Norton is a small but slowly-evolving town. <blockquote>So it was in December 1997, when a [[traffic light]] was installed at the intersection of [[Massachusetts Route 123|routes 123]] and 140 in Norton. It was the town's first full traffic light and, in a manner of speaking, it declared "Norton isn't [[Mayberry]] anymore."<ref>[http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2007/10/18/opinion/opinion01.txt Sun Chronicle Online]</ref></blockquote> |
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Norton is also a location in the claimed [[paranormal]] [[Bridgewater Triangle]]. |
Norton is also a location in the claimed [[paranormal]] [[Bridgewater Triangle]]. |
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==Geography and transit== |
==Geography and transit== |
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[[File:Map-of-Norton-1830.pdf|thumb|Map of Norton made in 1830]] |
[[File:Map-of-Norton-1830.pdf|thumb|Map of Norton made in 1830]] |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|29.8|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|28.7|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|1.1|sqmi}}, or 3.72%, is water. Norton is generally low and swampy. The waters of the area are fed by the [[Wading River (Massachusetts)|Wading River]] and the [[Canoe River]], both of which feed into the [[Taunton River]] downstream. The two largest bodies of water in town are the [[Norton Reservoir]], north of the center of town, and [[Winnecunnet Pond]] on the east (on the north side of I-495), which is fed by the Canoe River and feeds into the [[Mill River (Taunton River)|Mill River]]. |
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|29.8|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|28.7|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|1.1|sqmi}}, or 3.72%, is water. The terrain of Norton is generally low and swampy. The waters of the area are fed by the [[Wading River (Massachusetts)|Wading River]] and the [[Canoe River]], both of which feed into the [[Taunton River]] downstream. The two largest bodies of water in town are the [[Norton Reservoir]], north of the center of town, and [[Winnecunnet Pond]] on the east (on the north side of I-495), which is fed by the Canoe River and feeds into the [[Mill River (Taunton River)|Mill River]]. |
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Lake Winnecunnet is Norton’s only natural body of water. Classified as a kettle pond, it formed over 13,000 years ago when a large chunk of glacial ice rested there and gradually melted, creating the lake as the climate slowly warmed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nortonma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3606/f/uploads/2017_section_4a_environment_inventory_and_analysis_part_i_page_32-44.pdf |
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|title=Environmental, Inventory, and Analysis|website=nortonma.org|access-date=December 21, 2023}}</ref> |
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The town, an irregular polygon generally oriented from northeast to southwest, is bordered by [[Easton, Massachusetts|Easton]] to the northeast, [[Taunton, Massachusetts|Taunton]] to the southeast, [[Rehoboth, Massachusetts|Rehoboth]] to the south, [[Attleboro, Massachusetts|Attleboro]] to the southwest, and [[Mansfield, Massachusetts|Mansfield]] to the northwest. Norton is approximately 27 miles south-southwest of [[Boston]], and 15 miles northeast of [[Providence, Rhode Island]]. |
The town, an irregular polygon generally oriented from northeast to southwest, is bordered by [[Easton, Massachusetts|Easton]] to the northeast, [[Taunton, Massachusetts|Taunton]] to the southeast, [[Rehoboth, Massachusetts|Rehoboth]] to the south, [[Attleboro, Massachusetts|Attleboro]] to the southwest, and [[Mansfield, Massachusetts|Mansfield]] to the northwest. Norton is approximately 27 miles south-southwest of [[Boston]], and 15 miles northeast of [[Providence, Rhode Island]]. |
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Norton is served by [[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|Interstate 495]] and Massachusetts Routes [[Massachusetts Route 123|123]] and [[Massachusetts Route 140|140]], which meet at the center of town. There is an exit off |
Norton is served by [[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|Interstate 495]] and Massachusetts Routes [[Massachusetts Route 123|123]] and [[Massachusetts Route 140|140]], which meet at the center of town. There is an exit off I-495 for Route 123 in the eastern part of town, and 140's exit to the interstate lies just north of the Mansfield town line. One route of the [[Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority]] (GATRA) runs through town, linking the two cities on either side. The [[Middleboro Subdivision]] passes through the town, with 4.5 miles (7.35 km) of railroad track crossing the southern quarter of town, linking lines in Attleboro and Taunton. The [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] of the [[MBTA Commuter Rail]] system has stops in both Attleboro and Mansfield nearby, providing rail access to Providence and Boston. The nearest municipal airport is in neighboring Mansfield, with the nearest national and international flights being either from Boston's [[Logan International Airport]] or [[T.F. Green Airport]] in [[Warwick, Rhode Island]]. |
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==Transportation== |
==Transportation== |
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The town is bisected southeast to northwest by [[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|Interstate 495]], as well as [[Massachusetts Route 140]] from north to south and [[Massachusetts Route 123]] from southwest to northeast. Exit 10 off |
The town is bisected southeast to northwest by [[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|Interstate 495]], as well as [[Massachusetts Route 140]] from north to south and [[Massachusetts Route 123]] from southwest to northeast. Exit 10 off I-495 links the highway with Route 123. Exit 9 (Bay Street, Taunton) and Exit 11 (Route 140, Mansfield) are just over the town lines. Route 140 and Route 123 intersect at the center of town, by the town green. Although it is not officially signed as such, many fans attending concerts and events at the [[Xfinity Center (Mansfield, Massachusetts)|Xfinity Center]] (formerly the Tweeter Center, and originally the Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts) reach the venue by driving along Route 123 to Route 140. The town is also a part of the [[Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority]] (or GATRA) bus line. The nearest [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|MBTA]] station is in [[Mansfield (MBTA station)|Mansfield]]. |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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| 2010|19031 |
| 2010|19031 |
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| 2020|19202 |
| 2020|19202 |
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| 2022|19108 |
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| footnote= {{Historical populations/Massachusetts municipalities references}} |
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| footnote= {{Historical populations/Massachusetts municipalities references}}<ref>{{cite web | title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] | access-date=November 23, 2023 | url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html}}</ref> |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Norton Massachusetts Veterans Memorial.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Norton Veterans Memorial]] --> |
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Norton Massachusetts Veterans Memorial.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Norton Veterans Memorial]] --> |
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As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date= |
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 18,036 people, 5,872 households, and 4,474 families residing in the town. These residents are often referred to as either "Nortonites" or "Nortonians", though the term "Norts" is often used in colloquial context. The population density was {{convert|628.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 5,961 housing units at an average density of {{convert|207.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 92.15% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.16% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.13% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.00% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 4.47% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.08% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.14% of the population. |
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There were 5,872 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.22. |
There were 5,872 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.22. |
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In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males. |
In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males. |
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According to a 2016 estimate, the median income for a household in the town was $80,806, and the median income for a family in 2016 was estimated at $104,176.<ref>http://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/massachusetts/norton</ref><ref>http://www.city-data.com/city/Norton-Massachusetts.html</ref> Males had a median income of $51,133 versus $33,149 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $23,876. About 2.2% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over. |
According to a 2016 estimate, the median income for a household in the town was $80,806, and the median income for a family in 2016 was estimated at $104,176.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/massachusetts/norton |title=Economy in Norton, Massachusetts |publisher=Bestplaces.net |date= |accessdate=September 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.city-data.com/city/Norton-Massachusetts.html|title = Norton, Massachusetts (MA 02766) profile: Population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders}}</ref> Males had a median income of $51,133 versus $33,149 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $23,876. About 2.2% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over. |
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==Government== |
==Government== |
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The town is a part of three separate state representative districts; precinct one belonging to the Fourth Bristol district (which includes all of Rehoboth, Seekonk and part of Swansea), precinct two belonging to the Fourteenth Bristol district (which includes parts of North Attleborough, Attleboro and Mansfield as well), and precincts three through five belonging to the First Bristol district (whose district includes Mansfield Center and Foxborough). The town is a part of the state senate district of the Bristol and Norfolk district, stretching from Dover to the north to Rehoboth and Seekonk to the south. James Timilty served as State Senator until 2017 for the Bristol & Norfolk district. Upon his retirement, he was succeeded by State Senator Paul Feeney. State Representatives Steven S. Howitt and Frederick J. Barrows serve the Town. Norton is patrolled by Troop H (Metro Boston District), Third (Foxborough) Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police. |
The town is a part of three separate state representative districts; precinct one belonging to the Fourth Bristol district (which includes all of Rehoboth, Seekonk and part of Swansea), precinct two belonging to the Fourteenth Bristol district (which includes parts of North Attleborough, Attleboro and Mansfield as well), and precincts three through five belonging to the First Bristol district (whose district includes Mansfield Center and Foxborough). The town is a part of the state senate district of the Bristol and Norfolk district, stretching from Dover to the north to Rehoboth and Seekonk to the south. James Timilty served as State Senator until 2017 for the Bristol & Norfolk district. Upon his retirement, he was succeeded by State Senator Paul Feeney. State Representatives Steven S. Howitt and Frederick J. Barrows serve the Town. Norton is patrolled by Troop H (Metro Boston District), Third (Foxborough) Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police. |
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On the national level, the town is part of Massachusetts Congressional District 4, which is represented by [[ |
On the national level, the town is part of Massachusetts Congressional District 4, which is represented by [[Jake Auchincloss]]. The state's senior Senator, newly elected in 2012, is [[Elizabeth Warren]] and the state's junior Senator is currently [[Ed Markey]]. |
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===Town government and services=== |
===Town government and services=== |
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[[File:Norton Public Library, Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|right|Norton Public Library]] |
[[File:Norton Public Library, Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|right|Norton Public Library]] |
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The town has an [[open town meeting]] form of government, with a town manager and a [[board of selectmen]] governing the town. The town is served by the central police station (next to the town hall on Route 123), three fire stations (Station 2 on Route 123, Station 1 in Chartley (currently closed), and Station 5 (Fire Alarm) in Barrowsville), and two post offices (Norton, next to the town center and Wheaton College; and Chartley, near the Attleboro line along Route 123). The town's public library is located next to the town hall, although the original still stands on Route 140 at the town green. There is also a senior center located along Route 123 near the high school. |
The town has an [[open town meeting]] form of government, with a town manager and a [[board of selectmen]] governing the town. The town is served by the central police station (next to the town hall on Route 123), three fire stations (Station 2 on Route 123, Station 1 in Chartley (currently closed), and Station 5 (Fire Alarm) in Barrowsville), and two post offices (Norton, next to the town center and Wheaton College; and Chartley, near the Attleboro line along Route 123). The town's public library is located next to the town hall, although the original still stands on Route 140 at the town green. There is also a senior center located along Route 123 near the high school. |
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{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="float:center; margin:1em; font-size:95%;" |
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|+ Norton presidential election results<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/search/year_from:1970/year_to:1970/|title=Election Results}}</ref> |
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|- style="background:lightgrey;" |
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! Year |
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! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] |
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! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
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! [[Third party (United States)|Third parties]] |
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! Total Votes |
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! Margin |
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|- |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2020 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2020]] |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''53.93%''' ''5,918'' |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.15% ''4,735'' |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.93% ''321'' |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|10,974 |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|10.78% |
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|- |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2016 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2016]] |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''47.49%''' ''4,555'' |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.16% ''4,428'' |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|6.35% ''609'' |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|9,592 |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|1.32% |
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|- |
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|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2012 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2012]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''49.19%''' ''4,475'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|48.99% ''4,457'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.81% ''165'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|9,097 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|0.20% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2008 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2008]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.90%''' ''4,542'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|47.00% ''4,194'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.10% ''187'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|8,923 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|3.90% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2004 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2004]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''52.35%''' ''4,241'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.57% ''3,773'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.09% ''88'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|8,102 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|5.78% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2000 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2000]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''55.01%''' ''4,009'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.67% ''2,818'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|6.33% ''461'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|7,288 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|16.34% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1996 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1996]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.01%''' ''3,637'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|31.28% ''2,031'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|12.72% ''826'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|6,494 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|24.73% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1992 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1992]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''38.29%''' ''2,562'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|32.13% ''2,150'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|29.58% ''1,979'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|6,691 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|6.16% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1988 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1988]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.59% ''2,450'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.17%''' ''3,101'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.25% ''70'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|5,621 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|11.58% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1984 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1984]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.95% ''1,571'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''64.49%''' ''2,899'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.56% ''25'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|4,495 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.54% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1980 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1980]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.03% ''1,565'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''48.31%''' ''2,222'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|17.66% ''812'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|4,599 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|14.29% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1976 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1976]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.46%''' ''2,186'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.14% ''1,999'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|3.39% ''147'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|4,332 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|4.32% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1972 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1972]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.18% ''1,655'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.01%''' ''1,900'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.81% ''29'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|3,584 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|6.84% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1968 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1968]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''54.47%''' ''1,560'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.36% ''1,156'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|5.17% ''148'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2,864 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|14.11% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1964 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1964]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''70.32%''' ''1,891'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.53% ''794'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.15% ''4'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|2,689 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.80% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1960 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1960]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|45.67% ''1,254'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''54.30%''' ''1,491'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.04% ''1'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2,746 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|8.63% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1956 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1956]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.09% ''703'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''70.75%''' ''1,710'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.17% ''4'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2,417 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|41.66% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1952 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1952]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.14% ''693'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.86%''' ''1,398'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2,091 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|33.72% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1948 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1948]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|41.37% ''635'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.74%''' ''871'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.89% ''29'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1,535 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|15.37% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1944 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1944]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.11% ''572'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''59.89%''' ''854'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.00% ''0'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1,426 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|19.78% |
|||
|- |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1940 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1940]] |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|41.67% ''613'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.92%''' ''852'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.41% ''6'' |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1,471 |
|||
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|16.25% |
|||
|} |
|||
{| class=wikitable |
|||
! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of February 1, 2021<ref>{{cite web|title=Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of February 1, 2021|url=https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/enrollment_count_20210201.pdf |access-date=May 30, 2021|publisher=Massachusetts Elections Division}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan = 2 | Party |
|||
! Number of Voters |
|||
! Percentage |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}} |
|||
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 2,728 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 19.98% |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}} |
|||
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 1,780 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 13.03% |
|||
|- |
|||
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}} |
|||
| Unaffiliated |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 9,161 |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 67% |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="2" | Total |
|||
! style="text-align:center;" | 13,669 |
|||
! style="text-align:center;" | 100% |
|||
|} |
|||
==Education== |
==Education== |
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Norton has its own public school system, [[Norton Public Schools]]. There are three elementary schools: [https://web.archive.org/web/20110607145119/http://www.edline.net/pages/LGNourse_ES L.G. Nourse Elementary School (K–3)] on the east side, [https://web.archive.org/web/20110607145146/http://www.edline.net/pages/JCSolmonese J.C. Solomonese Elementary School (PK–3)] in Chartley, and [https://web.archive.org/web/20110607145213/http://www.edline.net/pages/Henri_A_Yelle_ES H.A. Yelle Elementary School (4–5)] near the center of town. The [https://web.archive.org/web/20110607145232/http://www.edline.net/pages/Norton_Middle_School Norton Middle School (6–8)] is located in Chartley. [[Norton High School (Massachusetts)|Norton High School]] (9–12) is located near the center of town, next to the H.A. Yelle School. The school colors are purple and white and their mascot is a lancer. |
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Norton has its own public school system, [[Norton Public Schools]]. There are three elementary schools: L.G. Nourse Elementary School (K–3) on the east side, J.C. Solomonese Elementary School (Pre-K–3) in Chartley, and H.A. Yelle Elementary School (4–5) near the center of town. The Norton Middle School (6–8) is located in Chartley. [[Norton High School (Massachusetts)|Norton High School]] (9–12) is located near the center of town, next to the H.A. Yelle School. The school colors are purple and white and their mascot is a lancer. |
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High school students may also attend [[Southeast Regional Vocational-Technical High School]] in Easton or [[Bristol County Agricultural High School]], otherwise known as "Bristol Aggie", in Dighton free of charge. There are two private schools in town, [[Life Church]], a Baptist school which serves grades K–12, and the Pinecroft School on 33 Pine Street. Many students also attend private or parochial schools in the surrounding communities. Norton is also home to [[Wheaton College (Massachusetts)|Wheaton College]]. |
High school students may also attend [[Southeast Regional Vocational-Technical High School]] in Easton or [[Bristol County Agricultural High School]], otherwise known as "Bristol Aggie", in Dighton free of charge. There are two private schools in town, [[Life Church]], a Baptist school which serves grades K–12, and the Pinecroft School on 33 Pine Street. Many students also attend private or parochial schools in the surrounding communities. Norton is also home to [[Wheaton College (Massachusetts)|Wheaton College]]. |
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{{Commons category}} |
{{Commons category}} |
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* [http://www.nortonma.org/ Town of Norton official website] |
* [http://www.nortonma.org/ Town of Norton official website] |
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* [http://www.nortontv.org/ Norton Community Television] |
* [http://www.nortontv.org/ Norton Community Television] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216210758/http://www.nortontv.org/ |date=February 16, 2007 }} |
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* [https:// |
* [https://www.norton.k12.ma.us/ Norton Public Schools] |
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* [http://www.nortonlibrary.org/ Norton Public Library] |
* [http://www.nortonlibrary.org/ Norton Public Library] |
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* [http://www.NortonYouthFootball.com/ Norton Youth Football] |
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{{Bristol County, Massachusetts}} |
{{Bristol County, Massachusetts}} |
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{{Greater_Boston}} |
{{Greater_Boston}} |
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{{authority control}} |
{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Towns in Bristol County, Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:Towns in Bristol County, Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Towns in Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:Towns in Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:1669 establishments in |
[[Category:1669 establishments in Plymouth Colony]] |
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Latest revision as of 17:06, 16 October 2024
Norton, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Town of Norton | |
 Norton Town Common | |
 Seal | |
 Location in Bristol County in Massachusetts | |
| Coordinates: 41°58′00″N 71°11′15″W / 41.96667°N 71.18750°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Bristol |
| Settled | 1669 |
| Incorporated | 1711 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Open town meeting |
| Area | |
• Total | 29.8 sq mi (77.2 km2) |
| • Land | 28.7 sq mi (74.4 km2) |
| • Water | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km2) |
| Elevation | 105 ft (32 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 19,202 |
| • Density | 640/sq mi (250/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (Eastern) |
| ZIP Code | 02766 |
| Area code | 508/774 |
| FIPS code | 25-49970 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0619436 |
| Website | www.nortonma.org |
Norton is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, and contains the villages of Norton Center and Chartley. The population was 19,202 at the 2020 census.[1] Home of Wheaton College, Norton hosted the Dell Technologies Championship, a tournament of the PGA Tour held annually on the Labor Day holiday weekend at the TPC Boston golf club until 2018.
History
[edit]
The lands of Norton remained unsettled by English colonists for many years after their initial arrival on the eastern Massachusetts coast. But by the late 1640s, the townships of Rehoboth and Taunton were looking to expand their boundaries further inland. The settlement of Rehoboth bought the lands north of it—what would become Attleboro—from Wamsutta in the 1666 North Purchase.[2] The residents of Taunton were also looking to acquire more land to develop, cutting the forest back and using felled timber to feed construction and fuel industries, and settle the cleared grounds into meadows and pastureland.[3] Norton was first legally settled by European colonists after the Taunton North Purchase in 1668.[4] This deed of purchase from Metacomet entitled the residents of Taunton to the lands north of their current settlement—the forests, cedar swamps, rivers, meadows, and lakes that would become established as Norton, Mansfield, and Easton. In 1686, more payments to access the North Purchase lands were made by Taunton men to Wompatuck, a descendent of Chickatawbut.[5] During King Philip’s War, “a group of twenty Taunton men, fearing attack" against their settlement "followed the Three Mile River to its confluence… at the Coweset (Wading) and Rumford Rivers and the thick swamp between them,”[6] attacking women and children who were sheltering there. In this fight, at Norton's so-called "Lockety Neck," the men murdered or otherwise participated in the killing of Weetamoo, the female sachem of the Pocasset Wampanoag people.[7] There is a memorial plaque on Pine Street commemorating her and other Wampanoag families killed in this attack.[8]
When Norton was first settled in 1669 it was called North Taunton for its location on the northern border of Taunton, Massachusetts. The town was renamed "Norton"—after Norton, Oxfordshire, England, where many early settlers had originated[9]—when the town was officially established on March 17, 1710. Parts of Norton were set out as Easton on December 21, 1725, and as Mansfield on April 26, 1770.[10]
Metacomet, the Wampanoag Indian sachem also known as "King Phillip", used to camp at a cave made by huge glacial rocks resting on top of each other, just north-east of Lake Winnecunnet. Every Norton school child has been entertained with the legend of King Phillip's Cave.[11]
The bandstand within the town center was originally erected using donated funds during the first Gulf War, in honor of the veterans who served from Norton.
In elementary school, students were told the story of the "Devil's Foot Print", where Major George Leonard sold his soul to the devil.[12] The devil's foot print can be seen at Norton's Joseph C. Solmonese Elementary School, on land which was once Leonard's farmland. Every 26 years, the school unburies a time capsule, the last of which was buried in 1999. The time capsule will be opened next in 2026. The Sun Chronicle describes:
Norton is a small but slowly-evolving town.
So it was in December 1997, when a traffic light was installed at the intersection of routes 123 and 140 in Norton. It was the town's first full traffic light and, in a manner of speaking, it declared "Norton isn't Mayberry anymore."[13]
Norton is also a location in the claimed paranormal Bridgewater Triangle.
Geography and transit
[edit]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 29.8 square miles (77 km2), of which 28.7 square miles (74 km2) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2), or 3.72%, is water. The terrain of Norton is generally low and swampy. The waters of the area are fed by the Wading River and the Canoe River, both of which feed into the Taunton River downstream. The two largest bodies of water in town are the Norton Reservoir, north of the center of town, and Winnecunnet Pond on the east (on the north side of I-495), which is fed by the Canoe River and feeds into the Mill River.
Lake Winnecunnet is Norton’s only natural body of water. Classified as a kettle pond, it formed over 13,000 years ago when a large chunk of glacial ice rested there and gradually melted, creating the lake as the climate slowly warmed.[14]
The town, an irregular polygon generally oriented from northeast to southwest, is bordered by Easton to the northeast, Taunton to the southeast, Rehoboth to the south, Attleboro to the southwest, and Mansfield to the northwest. Norton is approximately 27 miles south-southwest of Boston, and 15 miles northeast of Providence, Rhode Island.
Norton is served by Interstate 495 and Massachusetts Routes 123 and 140, which meet at the center of town. There is an exit off I-495 for Route 123 in the eastern part of town, and 140's exit to the interstate lies just north of the Mansfield town line. One route of the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) runs through town, linking the two cities on either side. The Middleboro Subdivision passes through the town, with 4.5 miles (7.35 km) of railroad track crossing the southern quarter of town, linking lines in Attleboro and Taunton. The Providence/Stoughton Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail system has stops in both Attleboro and Mansfield nearby, providing rail access to Providence and Boston. The nearest municipal airport is in neighboring Mansfield, with the nearest national and international flights being either from Boston's Logan International Airport or T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Transportation
[edit]The town is bisected southeast to northwest by Interstate 495, as well as Massachusetts Route 140 from north to south and Massachusetts Route 123 from southwest to northeast. Exit 10 off I-495 links the highway with Route 123. Exit 9 (Bay Street, Taunton) and Exit 11 (Route 140, Mansfield) are just over the town lines. Route 140 and Route 123 intersect at the center of town, by the town green. Although it is not officially signed as such, many fans attending concerts and events at the Xfinity Center (formerly the Tweeter Center, and originally the Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts) reach the venue by driving along Route 123 to Route 140. The town is also a part of the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (or GATRA) bus line. The nearest MBTA station is in Mansfield.
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 1,966 | — |
| 1860 | 1,848 | −6.0% |
| 1870 | 1,821 | −1.5% |
| 1880 | 1,782 | −2.1% |
| 1890 | 1,785 | +0.2% |
| 1900 | 1,826 | +2.3% |
| 1910 | 2,544 | +39.3% |
| 1920 | 2,374 | −6.7% |
| 1930 | 2,737 | +15.3% |
| 1940 | 3,107 | +13.5% |
| 1950 | 4,401 | +41.6% |
| 1960 | 6,818 | +54.9% |
| 1970 | 9,487 | +39.1% |
| 1980 | 12,690 | +33.8% |
| 1990 | 14,265 | +12.4% |
| 2000 | 18,036 | +26.4% |
| 2010 | 19,031 | +5.5% |
| 2020 | 19,202 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | 19,108 | −0.5% |
Source: United States census records and Population Estimates Program data.[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] | ||
As of the census[26] of 2000, there were 18,036 people, 5,872 households, and 4,474 families residing in the town. These residents are often referred to as either "Nortonites" or "Nortonians", though the term "Norts" is often used in colloquial context. The population density was 628.3 inhabitants per square mile (242.6/km2). There were 5,961 housing units at an average density of 207.7 per square mile (80.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 92.15% White, 1.16% African American, 0.13% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 4.47% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.
There were 5,872 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
According to a 2016 estimate, the median income for a household in the town was $80,806, and the median income for a family in 2016 was estimated at $104,176.[27][28] Males had a median income of $51,133 versus $33,149 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,876. About 2.2% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.
Government
[edit]
State and national government
[edit]The town is a part of three separate state representative districts; precinct one belonging to the Fourth Bristol district (which includes all of Rehoboth, Seekonk and part of Swansea), precinct two belonging to the Fourteenth Bristol district (which includes parts of North Attleborough, Attleboro and Mansfield as well), and precincts three through five belonging to the First Bristol district (whose district includes Mansfield Center and Foxborough). The town is a part of the state senate district of the Bristol and Norfolk district, stretching from Dover to the north to Rehoboth and Seekonk to the south. James Timilty served as State Senator until 2017 for the Bristol & Norfolk district. Upon his retirement, he was succeeded by State Senator Paul Feeney. State Representatives Steven S. Howitt and Frederick J. Barrows serve the Town. Norton is patrolled by Troop H (Metro Boston District), Third (Foxborough) Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police.
On the national level, the town is part of Massachusetts Congressional District 4, which is represented by Jake Auchincloss. The state's senior Senator, newly elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren and the state's junior Senator is currently Ed Markey.
Town government and services
[edit]
The town has an open town meeting form of government, with a town manager and a board of selectmen governing the town. The town is served by the central police station (next to the town hall on Route 123), three fire stations (Station 2 on Route 123, Station 1 in Chartley (currently closed), and Station 5 (Fire Alarm) in Barrowsville), and two post offices (Norton, next to the town center and Wheaton College; and Chartley, near the Attleboro line along Route 123). The town's public library is located next to the town hall, although the original still stands on Route 140 at the town green. There is also a senior center located along Route 123 near the high school.
| Year | Democratic | Republican | Third parties | Total Votes | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 53.93% 5,918 | 43.15% 4,735 | 2.93% 321 | 10,974 | 10.78% |
| 2016 | 47.49% 4,555 | 46.16% 4,428 | 6.35% 609 | 9,592 | 1.32% |
| 2012 | 49.19% 4,475 | 48.99% 4,457 | 1.81% 165 | 9,097 | 0.20% |
| 2008 | 50.90% 4,542 | 47.00% 4,194 | 2.10% 187 | 8,923 | 3.90% |
| 2004 | 52.35% 4,241 | 46.57% 3,773 | 1.09% 88 | 8,102 | 5.78% |
| 2000 | 55.01% 4,009 | 38.67% 2,818 | 6.33% 461 | 7,288 | 16.34% |
| 1996 | 56.01% 3,637 | 31.28% 2,031 | 12.72% 826 | 6,494 | 24.73% |
| 1992 | 38.29% 2,562 | 32.13% 2,150 | 29.58% 1,979 | 6,691 | 6.16% |
| 1988 | 43.59% 2,450 | 55.17% 3,101 | 1.25% 70 | 5,621 | 11.58% |
| 1984 | 34.95% 1,571 | 64.49% 2,899 | 0.56% 25 | 4,495 | 29.54% |
| 1980 | 34.03% 1,565 | 48.31% 2,222 | 17.66% 812 | 4,599 | 14.29% |
| 1976 | 50.46% 2,186 | 46.14% 1,999 | 3.39% 147 | 4,332 | 4.32% |
| 1972 | 46.18% 1,655 | 53.01% 1,900 | 0.81% 29 | 3,584 | 6.84% |
| 1968 | 54.47% 1,560 | 40.36% 1,156 | 5.17% 148 | 2,864 | 14.11% |
| 1964 | 70.32% 1,891 | 29.53% 794 | 0.15% 4 | 2,689 | 40.80% |
| 1960 | 45.67% 1,254 | 54.30% 1,491 | 0.04% 1 | 2,746 | 8.63% |
| 1956 | 29.09% 703 | 70.75% 1,710 | 0.17% 4 | 2,417 | 41.66% |
| 1952 | 33.14% 693 | 66.86% 1,398 | 0.00% 0 | 2,091 | 33.72% |
| 1948 | 41.37% 635 | 56.74% 871 | 1.89% 29 | 1,535 | 15.37% |
| 1944 | 40.11% 572 | 59.89% 854 | 0.00% 0 | 1,426 | 19.78% |
| 1940 | 41.67% 613 | 57.92% 852 | 0.41% 6 | 1,471 | 16.25% |
| Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of February 1, 2021[30] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Number of Voters | Percentage | |||
| Democratic | 2,728 | 19.98% | |||
| Republican | 1,780 | 13.03% | |||
| Unaffiliated | 9,161 | 67% | |||
| Total | 13,669 | 100% | |||
Education
[edit]Norton has its own public school system, Norton Public Schools. There are three elementary schools: L.G. Nourse Elementary School (K–3) on the east side, J.C. Solomonese Elementary School (Pre-K–3) in Chartley, and H.A. Yelle Elementary School (4–5) near the center of town. The Norton Middle School (6–8) is located in Chartley. Norton High School (9–12) is located near the center of town, next to the H.A. Yelle School. The school colors are purple and white and their mascot is a lancer.
High school students may also attend Southeast Regional Vocational-Technical High School in Easton or Bristol County Agricultural High School, otherwise known as "Bristol Aggie", in Dighton free of charge. There are two private schools in town, Life Church, a Baptist school which serves grades K–12, and the Pinecroft School on 33 Pine Street. Many students also attend private or parochial schools in the surrounding communities. Norton is also home to Wheaton College.
Notable people
[edit]- Troy Brown, former New England Patriots wide receiver[31]
- George L. Clarke (1813–1890), Mayor of Providence 1869–1870, was born in Norton
- Jonathan Eddy, colonel in the American Revolution
See also
[edit]
- Greater Taunton Area
- Shpack Landfill Superfund site
- Taunton River Watershed
References
[edit]- ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Norton town, Bristol County, Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
- ^ Leonard Bliss, "History of Rehoboth, 1836, pg. 50.
- ^ Emery, "History of Taunton," p. 103, 108.
- ^ Emery, "History of Taunton," p. 109.
- ^ Henry Williams, 1880, “Was Elizabeth Pool the First Purchaser,” Old Colony Historical Society, p. 51.
- ^ (Lisa Brooks, 2018, "Our Beloved Kin," p. 324.
- ^ Lisa Brooks, 2018, "Our Beloved Kin," p. 34.
- ^ "Historical war site marked in Norton". May 25, 2010.
- ^ Clark, George Faber (1859). A History of the Town of Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, from 1669 to 1859. Crosby, Nichols, and Company. pp. 34, 35.
- ^ Norton: Your Town[permanent dead link]
- ^ MGA Links at Mamantapett Archived February 6, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ https://archive.org/details/devilsfootprints00yell/page/28/mode/2up Yelle, The Devil's Footprints and Other Sketches of Old Norton, p. 28.
- ^ Sun Chronicle Online
- ^ "Environmental, Inventory, and Analysis" (PDF). nortonma.org. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ "Total Population (P1), 2010 Census Summary File 1". American FactFinder, All County Subdivisions within Massachusetts. United States Census Bureau. 2010.
- ^ "Massachusetts by Place and County Subdivision - GCT-T1. Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1990 Census of Population, General Population Characteristics: Massachusetts" (PDF). US Census Bureau. December 1990. Table 76: General Characteristics of Persons, Households, and Families: 1990. 1990 CP-1-23. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1980 Census of the Population, Number of Inhabitants: Massachusetts" (PDF). US Census Bureau. December 1981. Table 4. Populations of County Subdivisions: 1960 to 1980. PC80-1-A23. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1950 Census of Population" (PDF). Bureau of the Census. 1952. Section 6, Pages 21-10 and 21-11, Massachusetts Table 6. Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1930 to 1950. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1920 Census of Population" (PDF). Bureau of the Census. Number of Inhabitants, by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions. Pages 21-5 through 21-7. Massachusetts Table 2. Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1920, 1910, and 1920. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1890 Census of the Population" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. Pages 179 through 182. Massachusetts Table 5. Population of States and Territories by Minor Civil Divisions: 1880 and 1890. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1870 Census of the Population" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1872. Pages 217 through 220. Table IX. Population of Minor Civil Divisions, &c. Massachusetts. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1860 Census" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1864. Pages 220 through 226. State of Massachusetts Table No. 3. Populations of Cities, Towns, &c. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "1850 Census" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1854. Pages 338 through 393. Populations of Cities, Towns, &c. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
- ^ "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "Economy in Norton, Massachusetts". Bestplaces.net. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ "Norton, Massachusetts (MA 02766) profile: Population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders".
- ^ "Election Results".
- ^ "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of February 1, 2021" (PDF). Massachusetts Elections Division. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
- ^ Voss, Gretchen (May 15, 2006). "The Secret Lives of the Players' Wives". Boston Magazine. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Norton, Massachusetts.
- Town of Norton official website
- Norton Community Television Archived February 16, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- Norton Public Schools
- Norton Public Library
Municipalities and communities of Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States | ||
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