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Taunton is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is the seat of Bristol County and the hub of the Greater Taunton Area. The city is located 40 miles south of Boston, 18 miles east of Providence, 18 miles north of Fall River and 25 miles west of Plymouth. The City of Taunton is situated on the Taunton River which winds its way through the city on its way south to Mount Hope Bay.
As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 55,976. The current mayor is Charles Crowley. Founded in 1637 by members of the Plymouth Colony, Taunton is one of the oldest towns in the United States. The city takes its name from Taunton, Somerset, England, the birthplace of its founder, Elizabeth Poole. The name Taunton means "town (or city) on the River Tone" or "Tone Town".
Taunton is also known as the Silver City, as it was an historic center of the silver industry beginning in the 19th century when companies such as Reed & Barton, F. B. Rogers, Poole Silver and others produced fine quality silver goods in the city. The city provides a large annual light display each December on Taunton Green, also giving it the nickname of Christmas City.
Taunton once included many surrounding towns, including Norton, Easton, Mansfield, Dighton, Raynham, and Berkley. Possession of the latter is still noted by the naming of Taunton Hill in Assonet, which is now North Main Street, a street that heads into Berkley.
Flag and Seal of Taunton
Facts on Taunton
Population in July 2007: 55,783. Population change since 2000: -0.3%
Males: 26,811 (48.1%)
Females: 28,972 (51.9%)
Median resident age: 35.7 years
Massachusetts median age: 36.5 years
Zip codes: 02780, 02783.
Estimated median household income in 2007: $54,183 (it was $42,932 in 2000)
Taunton: $54,183
Massachusetts: $62,365
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $308,247 (it was $141,300 in 2000)
Taunton: $308,247
Massachusetts: $366,400
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $313,108; Detached houses: $336,795; Townhouses or other attached units: $322,741; In 2-unit structures: $315,434; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $315,084; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $145,566; Mobile homes: $72,812
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A Brief History of Taunton
 33 miles south of Boston, along the Taunton River in southeastern Massachusetts lies the city of Taunton. Like the green expanse, Taunton Green, located in the middle of the City, Taunton incorporates both rural and urban areas blending open space and affordable housing with excellent medical, educational, and safety facilities.
An early proprietor, Elizabeth Poole, was said to have purchased the site from Native Americans in 1638. On September 3, 1639 it was incorporated as a town and later named after Taunton, England, where most of the town's settlers originated.
Once one of the great industrial cities, Taunton, known as the "Silver City" was home to many silversmithing operations, including the Taunton Silversmiths and the F.B. Rogers Silver Co. Several other industries operated throughout the city into the third quarter of the 20th century. Today it ranks as the third most highly diversified industrial center in New England, surpassed only by Bridgeport, Connecticut and Worcester, Massachusetts, both of which are several times Taunton's size in population.
Taunton's location puts it at the transportation cross-roads of Southeastern Massachusetts, intersected by major state and interstate highways. It lies within 20 miles of deepwater ports and has rail connections to the main ConRail line in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Massasoit State Park and the Emma F. Hutt Forest are local favorite recreational areas.
Detailed History of Taunton
Beginnings
Taunton was founded in 1637 by Elizabeth Pole, and officially incorporated as a town on September 3, 1639. Most of the town's settlers were originally from Taunton, Somerset, England, which led early settlers to name the settlement after that town. At the time of Taunton's incorporation, they explained their choice of name as being, in honor and love to our dear native country... and owning it a great mercy of God to bring us to this place, and settling of us, on lands of our own bought with our money in peace, in the midst of the heathen, for a possession for ourselves and for our posterity after us. Prior to 1640, the Taunton area was called Cohannet.
The English founders of Taunton took possession of the land from the native Wampanoags. The Taunton area was the site of battles (on its soil or the surrounding area) during various conflicts, including King Philip's War and the American Revolution. Taunton was re-incorporated as a city on May 11, 1864.
Industrial Legacy
During the 19th century, Taunton became known as the "Silver City", as it was home to many silversmithing operations, including Reed & Barton, F.B. Rogers, Poole Silver, and others.
In the 19th century, Taunton also was the center of an important iron making industry, utilizing much bog iron from the numerous swamps in the surrounding area. The iron industry in Taunton produced a variety of goods including stoves (Weir Stove Company/Glenwood), tacks (Field Tack Company) and machinery. One of the more successful companies during this period was the Mason Machine Works, founded by William Mason which produced machinery for the textile industry, as well as steam locomotives. The Taunton Locomotive Works (begun in 1846) also operated in the city during this time.
Taunton was also home to several textile mills (Whittenton Mills) and other industries, such as felt (Bacon Felt) and brick making.
During the 19th century, Taunton was a major shipping point for grain from the inland rural farm areas of Massachusetts to the rest of the nation via Weir Village and the Taunton River. With the advent of the railroad, Taunton would also become an important transportation hub due to its central location.
The city formed the Taunton Municipal Light Plant (TMLP) in 1897, when it decided to purchase the floundering Taunton Electric Lighting Company, making it a publicly-owned electric utility. Today, TMLP provides electric service to 34,000 customers in Taunton, Berkley, Raynham, and sections of Dighton, Lakeville and Bridgewater. TMLP is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, which is elected by the citizens of Taunton.
Recent History
The Myles Standish Industrial Park in the Taunton's north end is currently one of the largest in New England. The National Weather Service operates a Regional Forecast Office there. Several major companies operate within the Industrial Park, and in other parts of the city.
In October 2005, the nearby Whittenton Pond Dam threatened to fail following a week that brought nine inches of rain to the city. Over 2,000 city residents were evacuated and Mayor Robert Nunes issued a State of Emergency. It is estimated that if the dam had failed, the Mill River would have inundated the downtown area with up to six feet of water. In response, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney ordered an immediate inspection of high-risk dams throughout the Commonwealth.
In March 2008, famed Hollywood director Martin Scorsese filmed a portion of the upcoming film Ashecliffe on location at the Whittenton Mills Complex. The movie is expected to be released in October 2009.
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 As of the census of 2000, there were 55,976 people, 22,045 households, and 14,483 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,201.1 people per square mile (463.7/kmē). There were 22,908 housing units at an average density of 491.5/sq mi (189.8/kmē). The racial makeup of the city is 91.67% White, 2.74% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.59% from other races, and 2.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.93% of the population.
There are 22,045 households out of which 32.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 13.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $42,932, and the median income for a family was $52,433. Males had a median income of $36,895 versus $27,686 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,899. About 8.0% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.9% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.
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Taunton Public Schools
Barnum School
Pre-School
25 Barnum Street
Tel: 821-1282
Fax: 508-821-1352
Ms. Mary Jane Webster- Principal
Tier III 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Edmund Hatch Bennett School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
47 North Walker Street
Tel: 508-821-1245
Fax: 508-821-1353
Mr. Robert Dirks- Principal
Ms. Lisa Riendeau - Assistant Principal
Tier III 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Benjamin A. Friedman Middle School
Grades 5 - 8
500 Norton Ave
Tel: 508-821-1493
Fax: 508-821-3185
Mr. John J. Cabral - Principal
Mr. Christopher Oliver- Assistant Principal
Tier I 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
East Taunton Elementary School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
58R Stevens Street
East Taunton, MA 02718
Tel: 508-821-1330
Fax: 508-821-1334
Dr. Sheilah Reardon- Principal
Ms. Joyce Fogerty - Assistant Principal
Tier III 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Harold H. Galligan School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
15 Sheridan Street
Tel: 508-821-1295
Fax: 508-821-1355
Mr. Michael Ferrari - Principal
Ms. Dalilia Mendoza-Assistant Principal
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Hopewell School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
16 Monroe Street
Tel: 508-821-1240
Fax: 508-821-1356
Mr. Thomas Quigley - Principal
Ms. Nancy Sylvester - Assistant Principal
Tier III 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Edward F. Leddy School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
36 Second Street
Tel: 508-821-1275
Fax: 508-821-1366
Mrs. Jill Wright - Principal
Mr. James Kottmeier - Assistant Principal
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Leonard School
Taunton Extended Day Program
354 West Britannia Street
Tel: 508-821-1224
Fax 508-821-1357
Ms. Donna Ross - Director
Joseph C. Chamberlain Elementary School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
480 Norton Avenue
Tel: 508-821-3216
Fax: 508-821-3877
Dr. Paul Moccia- Principal
Ms. Christina Andrade-Assistant Principal
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Joseph H. Martin Middle School
Grades 5 - 8
131 Caswell Street
East Taunton, MA 02718
Tel: 508-821-1250
Fax: 508-821-1273
Mr. Michael Byron - Principal
Mr. Daniel Fagan- Assistant Principal
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Lowell M. Maxham School
Grades K - 4
141 Oak Street
Tel: 508-821-1265
Fax: 508-821-1274
Ms. Rebecca Couet- Principal
Ms. Marsha Mitcheson-Assistant Principal
Tier III 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Mulcahey Middle School
Grades 5 - 8
28 Clifford Street
Tel: 508-821-1255
Fax: 508-821-1360
Ms. Christel Torres - Principal
Mr. Michael DaSilva-Assistant Principal
Tier I 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
John F. Parker Middle School
Grades 5 - 8
50 Williams Street
Tel: 508-821-1111
Fax: 508821-1361
Mr. Manuel J. Fernandez - Principal
Ms. Sara Nanzdik - Assistant Principal
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Elizabeth Pole School
Grades K - 4
215 Harris Street
Tel: 508-821-1260
Fax: 508-821-1363
Ms. Barbara McGuire - Principal
Ms. Joanne Baptiste-Assistant Principal
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Summer Street School
Kindergarten
66 Summer Street
Tel: 508-821-1301
Fax: 508-821-1365
Tier II 8:20 AM - 2:35 PM
Taunton High School
Grades 9 - 12
50 Williams Street
Tel: 508-821-1101
Fax: 508-821-1362
Mr. Matthew Mattos - Headmaster
Ms. Brenda Moynihan-Assistant Headmaster
Tier I 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Walker School
Kindergarten - Grade 4
145 Berkley Street
Tel: 508-821-1285
Fax: 508-821-1364
Ms. Michele Sharpe - Principal
Ms. Sara Hebert - Assistant Principal
Tier III 9:00 AM - 3:15 PM
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 Household and Family
Youth
Public Safety
Public Health
Events And Happenings
Human Services
Senior Center
Elder Services
Taunton Development
General Interest
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Taunton Calendar of Events
Parks and Recreation
| Field: |
LOCATION: |
SITE FEATURES: |
| Davol Field |
Oak Street |
Little League Field |
| Basketball Court |
| Childrens Playground |
| Hartshorn Park |
Longmeadow Road |
Adult Slow Pitch Softball Field (2) |
| Childrens Playground |
| Hopewell Park |
Hopewell & Hamilton Streets |
Municipal Swimming Pool |
| Baseball Field |
| Softball Fields (2) |
| Football Field |
| Basketball Court (3) |
| Childrens Playground |
| Sikorski Field |
Middleboro Avenue |
Adult Slow Pitch Softball Field |
| Baseball Field |
| Childrens Playground |
| South Street |
South Street |
Childrens Playground |
| Weir Park |
First Street |
Baseball Field |
| Softball Field |
| Basketball Court |
| Childrens Playground |
| Westside Park |
Clifford Street |
Multi Purpose Field |
| Little League Field |
| Whittenton Field |
Pleadwell & Richard Streets |
Childrens Playground |
| Basketball Court |
| Multi Purpose (Soccer) Field |
Public Spaces
The Taunton Green is the name of the city's central square. Early in its history, "The Green" was used as a training ground for militias in the American Revolution. Some say it was also the site of the historic "Liberty & Union"/"Taunton" flag raising in 1774 by the Sons of Liberty, prior to the American Revolution. Since the early 20th century, Taunton Green has temporarily been transformed during the winter holiday season into a grand display of holiday lights, scenes, and extravagant events. This is where and how the city earned its unofficial nickname in the surrounding areas as the "Christmas City."
"The Green" continues to provide a centralized location for city-wide Christmas activities, other holidays, events, and parades for the citizens of Taunton. A fountain is located at the center of the Taunton Green. Always to be seen flapping together in emblematic unison, the "Liberty & Union" flag and the U.S. flag fly side-by-side on the flagpole at the city's center.
The city is served by a central public library, the Taunton Public Library, which opened in 1903 and has undergone several expansions and renovations since that time. Also of note is the Old Colony Historical Society, which archives the city and region's past.
The City is home to two state parks operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts / Department of Conservation and Recreation, including Massasoit State Park in East Taunton and Watson Pond State Park in the north part of the city.
Religion
Numerous religious groups exist within the city, including Roman Catholic, Protestant and other Christian denominations. The First Parish, located at Church Green at the east end of downtown was founded in 1637, before the Town of Taunton was even established. The current church dates from 1830. The Pilgrim Congregational Church on Broadway was fored in 1821, its current church built in 1851. The city's oldest Roman Catholic Parish, St. Mary's Church is located further north at the intersection of Broadway and Washington Street, known as Saint Mary's Square.
Architecture
The City of Taunton has a wide array of excellent architecture ranging from the Colonial Period to Modern Times. There are numerous pre-revolutionary war era private homes within the city, the oldest of which is the Joseph Willis House on Worcester Street dating to about 1688. The City has over one-hundred buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Perhaps the most impressive structure in the city is the towering Bristol County Superior Courthouse, built in 1894 and designed by Frank Irving. With its tall copper dome, the Superior Courthouse is visible from many surrounding areas. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Currently, the Courthouse Complex is undergoing a major expansion and renovation program.
Other significant buildings in the City include some fine stone churches, including the First Parish Church (1830), the Pilgrim Congregational Church (1851) and Saint Mary's Church on Broadway.
Downtown Taunton has a number of historic commercial blocks along Main Street, Taunton Green and Broadway, built during the period from about 1840 to 1920.
Many large homes built by the wealthy industrialists and merchants of the late 19th and early 20th century line Route 44 both east (Dean Street) and west (Winthrop Steet) of the city center, while a majority of the city is occupied by more modest wood framed single and multi-family homes, many over 100 years old. Modern single-family subdivisions mostly built since the 1950s exist in the outskirts of the sprawling city.
The Central Fire Station at 50 School St. is recognized as the oldest functioning station house in the United States.
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 |  | | Taunton Green |
 About the Taunton, Massachusetts Area Brief History-Taunton, MA 33 miles south of Boston, along the Taunton River in southeastern Massachusetts lies the city of Taunton. Like the green expanse, Taunton Green, located in the middle of the City, Taunton incorporates both rural and urban areas blending open space and affordable housing with excellent medical, educational, and safety facilities. An early proprietor, Elizabeth Poole, was said to have purchased the site from Native Americans in 1638. On September 3, 1639 it was incorporated as a town and later named after Taunton, England, where most of the town's settlers originated. Once one of the great industrial cities, Taunton, known as the "Silver City" was home to many silversmithing operations, including the Taunton Silversmiths and the F.B. Rogers Silver Co. Several other industries operated throughout the city into the third quarter of the 20th century. Today it ranks as the third most highly diversified industrial center in New England, surpassed only by Bridgeport, Connecticut and Worcester, Massachusetts, both of which are several times Taunton's size in population. Taunton's location puts it at the transportation cross-roads of Southeastern Massachusetts, intersected by major state and interstate highways. It lies within 20 miles of deepwater ports and has rail connections to the main ConRail line in Southeastern Massachusetts. Massasoit State Park and the Emma F. Hutt Forest are local favorite recreational areas. 
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What is there to do in Taunton? Recreation Education
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Real Estate Contracts >Contingency Contracts
Buyers walk into your home in your area and fall in love with it. There is one problem--they will have to sell their home before they can buy yours. Their offer contains a contingency clause which makes the purchase dependent upon selling their present home. Should you accept such an offer?
Your decision should be based on several factors. Is their home being professionally marketed at this time, or are they trying to sell it themselves (a risky proposition!)? How long has it been on the market? Is it overpriced? If the house doesn't sell, can the buyers take out a bridge loan or make other arrangements to get to the closing table? How important is timing for you? Will the buyers agree to let you continue marketing your home and accept a non-contingent contract (and void theirs) if their house does not sell? Contingent contracts often work out well, but you need the help of a professional to weigh the pros and cons.
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| Q |
Which home is considered the ultimate in California craftsman-style architecture?
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| A |
Located in Pasadena, the Gamble House, built in 1908 by Charles and Henry Greene, is a National Historic Home open to visitors.
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