Massachusetts is a state located in the Northeastern United States. Municipalities in the state are classified as either towns or cities, distinguished by their form of government under state law. Towns have an open town meeting or representative town meeting form of government; cities, on the other hand, use a mayor-council or council-manager form. Based on the form of government, as of 2023,[1] there are 292 towns and 59 cities in Massachusetts. Over time, many towns have voted to become cities; 14 municipalities still refer to themselves as "towns" even though they have a city form of government.[1]
| Municipalities of Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Category | Municipality |
| Location | Commonwealth of Massachusetts |
| Found in | County |
| Created |
|
| Number | 351 |
| Possible types | |
| Populations | 70 (Gosnold) – 675,647 (Boston) |
| Areas | 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) (Nahant) – 96.5 square miles (250 km2) (Plymouth) |
| Government | |
| Subdivisions | |
The Census Bureau classifies towns in Massachusetts as a type of "minor civil division" and cities as a type of "populated place". However, from the perspective of Massachusetts law, politics, and geography, cities and towns are the same type of municipal unit, differing primarily in their form of government and some state laws which set different rules for each type.
There is no unincorporated land in Massachusetts. The land area of the state is completely divided up among the 351 municipalities.
Largest cities
edit| Rank | Name | County | Pop. | Rank | Name | County | Pop. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg){kind=small} Boston  Worcester |
1 | Boston | Suffolk | 675,647 | 11 | Lawrence | Essex | 89,143 |  Springfield  Cambridge |
| 2 | Worcester | Worcester | 206,518 | 12 | Newton | Middlesex | 88,923 | ||
| 3 | Springfield | Hampden | 155,929 | 13 | Somerville | Middlesex | 81,045 | ||
| 4 | Cambridge | Middlesex | 118,403 | 14 | Framingham | Middlesex | 72,362 | ||
| 5 | Lowell | Middlesex | 115,554 | 15 | Haverhill | Essex | 67,787 | ||
| 6 | Brockton | Plymouth | 105,643 | 16 | Malden | Middlesex | 66,263 | ||
| 7 | Quincy | Norfolk | 101,636 | 17 | Waltham | Middlesex | 65,218 | ||
| 8 | Lynn | Essex | 101,253 | 18 | Brookline | Norfolk | 63,191 | ||
| 9 | New Bedford | Bristol | 101,079 | 19 | Revere | Suffolk | 62,186 | ||
| 10 | Fall River | Bristol | 94,000 | 20 | Plymouth | Plymouth | 61,217 | ||
List of municipalities
edit.png)
| Municipality | Type[1] | County[2] | Form of government[1] | Population (2020)[2] |
Total area | Land area | Year established[3] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | City (capital) | Suffolk (seat) | Mayor-Council | 675,647 | 89.6 sq mi (232.06 km2) | 48.3 sq mi (125.10 km2) | 1630 |
| Worcester | City | Worcester (seat) | Mayor-Manager-Council | 206,518 | 38.5 sq mi (99.71 km2) | 37.4 sq mi (96.87 km2) | 1722 |
| Springfield | City | Hampden (seat) | Mayor-Council | 155,929 | 33.1 sq mi (85.73 km2) | 31.9 sq mi (82.62 km2) | 1636 |
| Cambridge | City | Middlesex (seat) | Mayor-Manager-Council | 118,403 | 7.1 sq mi (18.39 km2) | 6.4 sq mi (16.58 km2) | 1636 |
| Lowell | City | Middlesex (seat) | Mayor-Manager-Council | 115,554 | 14.5 sq mi (37.55 km2) | 13.6 sq mi (35.22 km2) | 1826 |
| Brockton | City | Plymouth (seat) | Mayor-Council | 105,643 | 21.5 sq mi (55.68 km2) | 21.3 sq mi (55.17 km2) | 1821 |
| Quincy | City | Norfolk | Mayor-Council | 101,636 | 26.9 sq mi (69.67 km2) | 16.6 sq mi (42.99 km2) | 1792 |
| Lynn | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 101,253 | 13.5 sq mi (34.96 km2) | 10.7 sq mi (27.71 km2) | 1629 |
| New Bedford | City | Bristol | Mayor-Council | 101,079 | 24.1 sq mi (62.42 km2) | 20.0 sq mi (51.80 km2) | 1787 |
| Fall River | City | Bristol | Mayor-Council | 94,000 | 40.2 sq mi (104.12 km2) | 33.1 sq mi (85.73 km2) | 1803 |
| Lawrence | City | Essex (seat) | Mayor-Council | 89,143 | 7.4 sq mi (19.17 km2) | 6.9 sq mi (17.87 km2) | 1847 |
| Newton | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 88,923 | 18.2 sq mi (47.14 km2) | 17.8 sq mi (46.10 km2) | 1688 |
| Somerville | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 81,045 | 4.2 sq mi (10.88 km2) | 4.1 sq mi (10.62 km2) | 1842 |
| Framingham | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 72,362 | 26.5 sq mi (68.63 km2) | 25.0 sq mi (64.75 km2) | 1700 |
| Haverhill | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 67,787 | 35.7 sq mi (92.46 km2) | 33.0 sq mi (85.47 km2) | 1641 |
| Malden | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 66,263 | 5.1 sq mi (13.21 km2) | 5.0 sq mi (12.95 km2) | 1649 |
| Waltham | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 65,218 | 13.8 sq mi (35.74 km2) | 12.7 sq mi (32.89 km2) | 1738 |
| Brookline | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 63,191 | 6.8 sq mi (17.61 km2) | 6.8 sq mi (17.61 km2) | 1705 |
| Revere | City | Suffolk | Mayor-Council | 62,186 | 10.1 sq mi (26.16 km2) | 5.7 sq mi (14.76 km2) | 1846 |
| Plymouth | Town | Plymouth (seat) | Representative town meeting | 61,217 | 134.0 sq mi (347.06 km2) | 96.5 sq mi (249.93 km2) | 1620 |
| Medford | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 59,659 | 8.7 sq mi (22.53 km2) | 8.1 sq mi (20.98 km2) | 1630 |
| Taunton | City | Bristol (seat) | Mayor-Council | 59,408 | 48.4 sq mi (125.36 km2) | 46.7 sq mi (120.95 km2) | 1639 |
| Weymouth | City | Norfolk | Mayor-Council | 57,437 | 21.6 sq mi (55.94 km2) | 16.8 sq mi (43.51 km2) | 1635 |
| Chicopee | City | Hampden | Mayor-Council | 55,560 | 23.9 sq mi (61.90 km2) | 22.9 sq mi (59.31 km2) | 1848 |
| Peabody | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 54,481 | 16.8 sq mi (43.51 km2) | 16.2 sq mi (41.96 km2) | 1868 |
| Methuen | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 53,039 | 23.0 sq mi (59.57 km2) | 22.2 sq mi (57.50 km2) | 1725 |
| Everett | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 49,075 | 3.7 sq mi (9.58 km2) | 3.4 sq mi (8.81 km2) | 1870 |
| Barnstable | City | Barnstable (seat) | Manager-Council | 48,916 | 76.5 sq mi (198.13 km2) | 59.3 sq mi (153.59 km2) | 1639 |
| Attleboro | City | Bristol | Mayor-Council | 46,461 | 27.8 sq mi (72.00 km2) | 26.8 sq mi (69.41 km2) | 1694 |
| Arlington | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 46,308 | 5.5 sq mi (14.24 km2) | 5.0 sq mi (12.95 km2) | 1807 |
| Salem | City | Essex (seat) | Mayor-Council | 44,480 | 18.3 sq mi (47.40 km2) | 8.3 sq mi (21.50 km2) | 1626 |
| Pittsfield | City | Berkshire (seat) | Mayor-Council | 43,927 | 42.5 sq mi (110.07 km2) | 40.5 sq mi (104.89 km2) | 1761 |
| Leominster | City | Worcester | Mayor-Council | 43,782 | 29.7 sq mi (76.92 km2) | 28.9 sq mi (74.85 km2) | 1740 |
| Beverly | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 42,670 | 22.6 sq mi (58.53 km2) | 15.1 sq mi (39.11 km2) | 1668 |
| Billerica | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 42,119 | 26.4 sq mi (68.38 km2) | 25.9 sq mi (67.08 km2) | 1655 |
| Fitchburg | City | Worcester | Mayor-Council | 41,946 | 28.1 sq mi (72.78 km2) | 27.8 sq mi (72.00 km2) | 1764 |
| Marlborough | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 41,793 | 22.1 sq mi (57.24 km2) | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 1660 |
| Woburn | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 40,876 | 12.9 sq mi (33.41 km2) | 12.7 sq mi (32.89 km2) | 1642 |
| Westfield | City | Hampden | Mayor-Council | 40,834 | 47.3 sq mi (122.51 km2) | 46.3 sq mi (119.92 km2) | 1669 |
| Chelsea | City | Suffolk | Manager-Council | 40,787 | 2.5 sq mi (6.47 km2) | 2.2 sq mi (5.70 km2) | 1739 |
| Amherst | City | Hampshire | Manager-Council | 39,263 | 27.7 sq mi (71.74 km2) | 27.6 sq mi (71.48 km2) | 1775 |
| Braintree | City | Norfolk | Mayor-Council | 39,143 | 14.6 sq mi (37.81 km2) | 13.8 sq mi (35.74 km2) | 1640 |
| Shrewsbury | Town | Worcester | Representative town meeting | 38,325 | 21.7 sq mi (56.20 km2) | 20.7 sq mi (53.61 km2) | 1727 |
| Holyoke | City | Hampden | Mayor-Council | 38,238 | 22.8 sq mi (59.05 km2) | 21.2 sq mi (54.91 km2) | 1850 |
| Natick | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 37,006 | 16.1 sq mi (41.70 km2) | 15.1 sq mi (39.11 km2) | 1781 |
| Andover | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 36,569 | 32.1 sq mi (83.14 km2) | 31.0 sq mi (80.29 km2) | 1646 |
| Chelmsford | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 36,392 | 23.2 sq mi (60.09 km2) | 22.7 sq mi (58.79 km2) | 1655 |
| Watertown | City | Middlesex | Manager-Council | 35,329 | 4.1 sq mi (10.62 km2) | 4.0 sq mi (10.36 km2) | 1630 |
| Randolph | City | Norfolk | Manager-Council | 34,984 | 10.5 sq mi (27.19 km2) | 10.1 sq mi (26.16 km2) | 1793 |
| Lexington | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 34,454 | 16.5 sq mi (42.73 km2) | 16.4 sq mi (42.48 km2) | 1713 |
| Dartmouth | Town | Bristol | Representative town meeting | 33,783 | 97.5 sq mi (252.52 km2) | 60.9 sq mi (157.73 km2) | 1664 |
| Franklin | City | Norfolk | Administrator-Council | 33,261 | 27.0 sq mi (69.93 km2) | 26.6 sq mi (68.89 km2) | 1778 |
| Dracut | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 32,617 | 21.4 sq mi (55.43 km2) | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 1701 |
| Falmouth | Town | Barnstable | Representative town meeting | 32,517 | 54.4 sq mi (140.90 km2) | 44.1 sq mi (114.22 km2) | 1686 |
| Needham | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 32,091 | 12.7 sq mi (32.89 km2) | 12.6 sq mi (32.63 km2) | 1711 |
| Norwood | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 31,611 | 10.6 sq mi (27.45 km2) | 10.5 sq mi (27.19 km2) | 1872 |
| Tewksbury | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 31,342 | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 20.7 sq mi (53.61 km2) | 1734 |
| North Andover | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 30,915 | 27.8 sq mi (72.00 km2) | 26.3 sq mi (68.12 km2) | 1855 |
| North Attleborough | City | Bristol | Manager-Council | 30,834 | 19.1 sq mi (49.47 km2) | 18.6 sq mi (48.17 km2) | 1887 |
| Milford | Town | Worcester | Representative town meeting | 30,379 | 14.9 sq mi (38.59 km2) | 14.6 sq mi (37.81 km2) | 1780 |
| Melrose | City | Middlesex | Mayor-Council | 29,817 | 4.8 sq mi (12.43 km2) | 4.7 sq mi (12.17 km2) | 1850 |
| Gloucester | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 29,729 | 41.5 sq mi (107.48 km2) | 26.2 sq mi (67.86 km2) | 1623 |
| Northampton | City | Hampshire (seat) | Mayor-Council | 29,571 | 35.8 sq mi (92.72 km2) | 34.2 sq mi (88.58 km2) | 1654 |
| Wellesley | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 29,550 | 10.5 sq mi (27.19 km2) | 10.2 sq mi (26.42 km2) | 1881 |
| Stoughton | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 29,281 | 16.3 sq mi (42.22 km2) | 16.0 sq mi (41.44 km2) | 1726 |
| West Springfield | City | Hampden | Mayor-Council | 28,835 | 17.5 sq mi (45.32 km2) | 16.7 sq mi (43.25 km2) | 1774 |
| Agawam | City | Hampden | Mayor-Council | 28,692 | 24.3 sq mi (62.94 km2) | 23.3 sq mi (60.35 km2) | 1855 |
| Bridgewater | City | Plymouth | Manager-Council | 28,633 | 28.2 sq mi (73.04 km2) | 27.5 sq mi (71.22 km2) | 1656 |
| Milton | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 28,630 | 13.3 sq mi (34.45 km2) | 13.0 sq mi (33.67 km2) | 1662 |
| Saugus | Town | Essex | Representative town meeting | 28,619 | 11.8 sq mi (30.56 km2) | 10.8 sq mi (27.97 km2) | 1815 |
| Danvers | Town | Essex | Representative town meeting | 28,087 | 14.1 sq mi (36.52 km2) | 13.3 sq mi (34.45 km2) | 1775 |
| Belmont | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 27,295 | 4.7 sq mi (12.17 km2) | 4.7 sq mi (12.17 km2) | 1859 |
| Wakefield | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 27,090 | 7.9 sq mi (20.46 km2) | 7.5 sq mi (19.42 km2) | 1812 |
| Walpole | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 26,383 | 21.0 sq mi (54.39 km2) | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 1724 |
| Burlington | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 26,377 | 11.9 sq mi (30.82 km2) | 11.8 sq mi (30.56 km2) | 1799 |
| Marshfield | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 25,825 | 31.7 sq mi (82.10 km2) | 28.5 sq mi (73.81 km2) | 1640 |
| Reading | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 25,518 | 9.9 sq mi (25.64 km2) | 9.9 sq mi (25.64 km2) | 1644 |
| Dedham | Town | Norfolk (seat) | Representative town meeting | 25,364 | 10.6 sq mi (27.45 km2) | 10.5 sq mi (27.19 km2) | 1636 |
| Easton | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 25,058 | 29.2 sq mi (75.63 km2) | 28.4 sq mi (73.56 km2) | 1725 |
| Yarmouth | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 25,023 | 28.2 sq mi (73.04 km2) | 24.1 sq mi (62.42 km2) | 1639 |
| Westford | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 24,643 | 31.3 sq mi (81.07 km2) | 30.6 sq mi (79.25 km2) | 1729 |
| Canton | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 24,370 | 19.6 sq mi (50.76 km2) | 18.9 sq mi (48.95 km2) | 1797 |
| Hingham | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 24,284 | 26.3 sq mi (68.12 km2) | 22.2 sq mi (57.50 km2) | 1635 |
| Middleborough | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 24,245 | 72.2 sq mi (187.00 km2) | 69.1 sq mi (178.97 km2) | 1669 |
| Acton | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 24,021 | 20.3 sq mi (52.58 km2) | 20.0 sq mi (51.80 km2) | 1735 |
| Mansfield | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 23,860 | 20.7 sq mi (53.61 km2) | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 1775 |
| Wilmington | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 23,349 | 17.2 sq mi (44.55 km2) | 17.1 sq mi (44.29 km2) | 1730 |
| Wareham | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 23,303 | 46.3 sq mi (119.92 km2) | 35.8 sq mi (92.72 km2) | 1739 |
| Stoneham | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 23,244 | 6.7 sq mi (17.35 km2) | 6.2 sq mi (16.06 km2) | 1725 |
| Winchester | Town | Middlesex | Representative town meeting | 22,970 | 6.3 sq mi (16.32 km2) | 6.0 sq mi (15.54 km2) | 1850 |
| Westborough | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 21,567 | 21.6 sq mi (55.94 km2) | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 1717 |
| Gardner | City | Worcester | Mayor-Council | 21,287 | 23.0 sq mi (59.57 km2) | 22.1 sq mi (57.24 km2) | 1785 |
| Ludlow | Town | Hampden | Representative town meeting | 21,002 | 28.2 sq mi (73.04 km2) | 27.2 sq mi (70.45 km2) | 1775 |
| Bourne | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 20,452 | 52.9 sq mi (137.01 km2) | 40.7 sq mi (105.41 km2) | 1884 |
| Marblehead | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 20,441 | 19.6 sq mi (50.76 km2) | 4.4 sq mi (11.40 km2) | 1629 |
| Sandwich | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 20,259 | 44.2 sq mi (114.48 km2) | 42.7 sq mi (110.59 km2) | 1638 |
| Hudson | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 20,092 | 11.8 sq mi (30.56 km2) | 11.5 sq mi (29.78 km2) | 1866 |
| Holden | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 19,905 | 36.2 sq mi (93.76 km2) | 35.0 sq mi (90.65 km2) | 1741 |
| Grafton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 19,664 | 23.3 sq mi (60.35 km2) | 22.7 sq mi (58.79 km2) | 1735 |
| Winthrop | City | Suffolk | Manager-Council | 19,316 | 8.3 sq mi (21.50 km2) | 2.0 sq mi (5.18 km2) | 1852 |
| Norton | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 19,202 | 29.8 sq mi (77.18 km2) | 28.7 sq mi (74.33 km2) | 1711 |
| Scituate | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 19,063 | 31.8 sq mi (82.36 km2) | 17.6 sq mi (45.58 km2) | 1636 |
| Sudbury | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 18,934 | 24.6 sq mi (63.71 km2) | 24.4 sq mi (63.20 km2) | 1639 |
| Ashland | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 18,832 | 12.9 sq mi (33.41 km2) | 12.4 sq mi (32.12 km2) | 1846 |
| Hopkinton | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 18,758 | 28.2 sq mi (73.04 km2) | 26.6 sq mi (68.89 km2) | 1715 |
| Foxborough | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 18,618 | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 20.1 sq mi (52.06 km2) | 1778 |
| Sharon | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 18,575 | 24.2 sq mi (62.68 km2) | 23.3 sq mi (60.35 km2) | 1775 |
| Concord | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 18,491 | 25.9 sq mi (67.08 km2) | 24.9 sq mi (64.49 km2) | 1635 |
| Pembroke | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 18,361 | 23.5 sq mi (60.86 km2) | 21.8 sq mi (56.46 km2) | 1712 |
| Somerset | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 18,303 | 12.0 sq mi (31.08 km2) | 8.1 sq mi (20.98 km2) | 1790 |
| Newburyport | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 18,289 | 10.7 sq mi (27.71 km2) | 8.3 sq mi (21.50 km2) | 1764 |
| South Hadley | Town | Hampshire | Representative town meeting | 18,150 | 18.4 sq mi (47.66 km2) | 17.7 sq mi (45.84 km2) | 1775 |
| Rockland | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 17,803 | 10.1 sq mi (26.16 km2) | 10.0 sq mi (25.90 km2) | 1874 |
| Webster | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 17,776 | 14.5 sq mi (37.55 km2) | 12.5 sq mi (32.37 km2) | 1832 |
| Greenfield | City | Franklin (seat) | Mayor-Council | 17,768 | 21.9 sq mi (56.72 km2) | 21.4 sq mi (55.43 km2) | 1775 |
| Southbridge | City | Worcester | Manager-Council | 17,740 | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 20.2 sq mi (52.32 km2) | 1816 |
| Amesbury | City | Essex | Mayor-Council | 17,366 | 13.7 sq mi (35.48 km2) | 12.3 sq mi (31.86 km2) | 1668 |
| Swansea | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 17,144 | 25.5 sq mi (66.04 km2) | 23.1 sq mi (59.83 km2) | 1667 |
| Abington | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 17,062 | 9.9 sq mi (25.64 km2) | 9.7 sq mi (25.12 km2) | 1712 |
| Bellingham | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 16,945 | 19.0 sq mi (49.21 km2) | 18.5 sq mi (47.91 km2) | 1719 |
| Auburn | Town | Worcester | Representative town meeting | 16,889 | 16.4 sq mi (42.48 km2) | 15.4 sq mi (39.89 km2) | 1778 |
| East Longmeadow | City | Hampden | Manager-Council | 16,430 | 13.0 sq mi (33.67 km2) | 13.0 sq mi (33.67 km2) | 1894 |
| Westport | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 16,339 | 64.4 sq mi (166.80 km2) | 50.1 sq mi (129.76 km2) | 1787 |
| Northbridge | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 16,335 | 18.1 sq mi (46.88 km2) | 17.2 sq mi (44.55 km2) | 1775 |
| Westwood | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 16,266 | 11.1 sq mi (28.75 km2) | 11.0 sq mi (28.49 km2) | 1897 |
| Easthampton | City | Hampshire | Mayor-Council | 16,211 | 13.6 sq mi (35.22 km2) | 13.3 sq mi (34.45 km2) | 1809 |
| Duxbury | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 16,090 | 37.6 sq mi (97.38 km2) | 23.8 sq mi (61.64 km2) | 1637 |
| Fairhaven | Town | Bristol | Representative town meeting | 15,924 | 14.1 sq mi (36.52 km2) | 12.4 sq mi (32.12 km2) | 1812 |
| Longmeadow | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 15,853 | 9.7 sq mi (25.12 km2) | 9.1 sq mi (23.57 km2) | 1783 |
| Northborough | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 15,741 | 18.8 sq mi (48.69 km2) | 18.5 sq mi (47.91 km2) | 1775 |
| North Reading | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 15,554 | 13.5 sq mi (34.96 km2) | 13.3 sq mi (34.45 km2) | 1853 |
| Seekonk | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 15,531 | 18.3 sq mi (47.40 km2) | 18.2 sq mi (47.14 km2) | 1812 |
| Clinton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 15,428 | 7.3 sq mi (18.91 km2) | 5.7 sq mi (14.76 km2) | 1850 |
| Belchertown | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 15,350 | 55.4 sq mi (143.49 km2) | 52.7 sq mi (136.49 km2) | 1761 |
| Raynham | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 15,142 | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 1731 |
| Whitman | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 15,121 | 7.1 sq mi (18.39 km2) | 7.0 sq mi (18.13 km2) | 1875 |
| Swampscott | Town | Essex | Representative town meeting | 15,111 | 6.7 sq mi (17.35 km2) | 3.1 sq mi (8.03 km2) | 1852 |
| Mashpee | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 15,060 | 27.2 sq mi (70.45 km2) | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 1870 |
| Holliston | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 14,996 | 19.0 sq mi (49.21 km2) | 18.7 sq mi (48.43 km2) | 1724 |
| Hanover | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 14,833 | 15.7 sq mi (40.66 km2) | 15.6 sq mi (40.40 km2) | 1727 |
| Dennis | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 14,674 | 22.3 sq mi (57.76 km2) | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 1793 |
| Wilbraham | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 14,613 | 22.4 sq mi (58.02 km2) | 22.2 sq mi (57.50 km2) | 1763 |
| East Bridgewater | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 14,440 | 17.5 sq mi (45.32 km2) | 17.2 sq mi (44.55 km2) | 1823 |
| Bedford | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 14,383 | 13.9 sq mi (36.00 km2) | 13.7 sq mi (35.48 km2) | 1729 |
| Nantucket | Town | Nantucket (seat) | Open town meeting | 14,255 | 105.3 sq mi (272.73 km2) | 47.8 sq mi (123.80 km2) | 1671 |
| Uxbridge | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 14,162 | 30.4 sq mi (78.74 km2) | 29.5 sq mi (76.40 km2) | 1727 |
| Wayland | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 13,943 | 15.9 sq mi (41.18 km2) | 15.2 sq mi (39.37 km2) | 1780 |
| Millbury | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 13,831 | 16.3 sq mi (42.22 km2) | 15.7 sq mi (40.66 km2) | 1813 |
| Ipswich | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 13,785 | 42.5 sq mi (110.07 km2) | 32.1 sq mi (83.14 km2) | 1634 |
| Kingston | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 13,708 | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 18.6 sq mi (48.17 km2) | 1726 |
| Harwich | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 13,440 | 33.1 sq mi (85.73 km2) | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 1694 |
| Oxford | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 13,347 | 27.5 sq mi (71.22 km2) | 26.6 sq mi (68.89 km2) | 1713 |
| Charlton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 13,315 | 43.8 sq mi (113.44 km2) | 42.5 sq mi (110.07 km2) | 1755 |
| Medway | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 13,115 | 11.5 sq mi (29.78 km2) | 11.5 sq mi (29.78 km2) | 1713 |
| Lynnfield | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 13,000 | 10.5 sq mi (27.19 km2) | 9.9 sq mi (25.64 km2) | 1814 |
| North Adams | City | Berkshire | Mayor-Council | 12,961 | 20.6 sq mi (53.35 km2) | 20.4 sq mi (52.84 km2) | 1878 |
| Medfield | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 12,799 | 14.6 sq mi (37.81 km2) | 14.5 sq mi (37.55 km2) | 1651 |
| Rehoboth | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 12,502 | 46.8 sq mi (121.21 km2) | 46.5 sq mi (120.43 km2) | 1645 |
| Palmer | City | Hampden | Manager-Council | 12,448 | 32.0 sq mi (82.88 km2) | 31.6 sq mi (81.84 km2) | 1775 |
| Tyngsborough | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 12,380 | 18.1 sq mi (46.88 km2) | 16.9 sq mi (43.77 km2) | 1809 |
| Wrentham | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 12,178 | 22.9 sq mi (59.31 km2) | 22.2 sq mi (57.50 km2) | 1673 |
| Spencer | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 11,992 | 34.1 sq mi (88.32 km2) | 32.9 sq mi (85.21 km2) | 1775 |
| Athol | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 11,945 | 33.4 sq mi (86.51 km2) | 32.6 sq mi (84.43 km2) | 1762 |
| Dudley | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 11,921 | 22.1 sq mi (57.24 km2) | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 1732 |
| Weston | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 11,851 | 17.3 sq mi (44.81 km2) | 17.0 sq mi (44.03 km2) | 1713 |
| Lunenburg | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 11,782 | 27.7 sq mi (71.74 km2) | 26.4 sq mi (68.38 km2) | 1728 |
| Norfolk | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 11,662 | 15.2 sq mi (39.37 km2) | 14.8 sq mi (38.33 km2) | 1870 |
| Carver | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 11,645 | 39.7 sq mi (102.82 km2) | 37.4 sq mi (96.87 km2) | 1790 |
| Pepperell | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 11,604 | 23.2 sq mi (60.09 km2) | 22.6 sq mi (58.53 km2) | 1775 |
| Lakeville | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 11,523 | 36.1 sq mi (93.50 km2) | 29.6 sq mi (76.66 km2) | 1853 |
| Holbrook | Town | Norfolk | Representative town meeting | 11,405 | 7.4 sq mi (19.17 km2) | 7.4 sq mi (19.17 km2) | 1872 |
| Norwell | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 11,351 | 21.2 sq mi (54.91 km2) | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 1849 |
| Groton | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 11,315 | 33.7 sq mi (87.28 km2) | 32.8 sq mi (84.95 km2) | 1655 |
| Leicester | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 11,087 | 24.7 sq mi (63.97 km2) | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 1714 |
| Maynard | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 10,746 | 5.4 sq mi (13.99 km2) | 5.2 sq mi (13.47 km2) | 1871 |
| Hanson | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 10,639 | 15.7 sq mi (40.66 km2) | 15.0 sq mi (38.85 km2) | 1820 |
| Acushnet | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 10,559 | 19.0 sq mi (49.21 km2) | 18.4 sq mi (47.66 km2) | 1860 |
| Southborough | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 10,450 | 15.7 sq mi (40.66 km2) | 14.2 sq mi (36.78 km2) | 1727 |
| Winchendon | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 10,364 | 44.1 sq mi (114.22 km2) | 43.3 sq mi (112.15 km2) | 1764 |
| Brewster | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 10,318 | 25.4 sq mi (65.79 km2) | 22.9 sq mi (59.31 km2) | 1803 |
| Littleton | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 10,141 | 17.6 sq mi (45.58 km2) | 16.6 sq mi (42.99 km2) | 1715 |
| Hull | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 10,072 | 26.9 sq mi (69.67 km2) | 2.8 sq mi (7.25 km2) | 1644 |
| Ware | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 10,066 | 40.0 sq mi (103.60 km2) | 34.4 sq mi (89.10 km2) | 1775 |
| Plainville | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 9,945 | 11.5 sq mi (29.78 km2) | 11.0 sq mi (28.49 km2) | 1905 |
| Sturbridge | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 9,867 | 39.0 sq mi (101.01 km2) | 37.4 sq mi (96.87 km2) | 1738 |
| Middleton | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 9,779 | 14.5 sq mi (37.55 km2) | 14.0 sq mi (36.26 km2) | 1728 |
| Sutton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 9,357 | 33.9 sq mi (87.80 km2) | 32.4 sq mi (83.92 km2) | 1714 |
| Salisbury | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 9,236 | 17.9 sq mi (46.36 km2) | 15.4 sq mi (39.89 km2) | 1639 |
| Southwick | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 9,232 | 31.7 sq mi (82.10 km2) | 30.8 sq mi (79.77 km2) | 1775 |
| Blackstone | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 9,208 | 11.2 sq mi (29.01 km2) | 10.9 sq mi (28.23 km2) | 1845 |
| Freetown | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 9,206 | 38.3 sq mi (99.20 km2) | 36.6 sq mi (94.79 km2) | 1683 |
| Townsend | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 9,127 | 33.1 sq mi (85.73 km2) | 32.9 sq mi (85.21 km2) | 1732 |
| Rutland | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 9,049 | 36.4 sq mi (94.28 km2) | 35.3 sq mi (91.43 km2) | 1713 |
| Douglas | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 8,983 | 37.7 sq mi (97.64 km2) | 36.4 sq mi (94.28 km2) | 1775 |
| Montague | Town | Franklin | Representative town meeting | 8,580 | 31.5 sq mi (81.58 km2) | 30.2 sq mi (78.22 km2) | 1775 |
| Ayer | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 8,479 | 9.6 sq mi (24.86 km2) | 9.0 sq mi (23.31 km2) | 1871 |
| Georgetown | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 8,470 | 13.2 sq mi (34.19 km2) | 12.9 sq mi (33.41 km2) | 1838 |
| Millis | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 8,460 | 12.3 sq mi (31.86 km2) | 12.2 sq mi (31.60 km2) | 1885 |
| Lancaster | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 8,441 | 28.2 sq mi (73.04 km2) | 27.7 sq mi (71.74 km2) | 1653 |
| Cohasset | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 8,381 | 31.4 sq mi (81.33 km2) | 9.8 sq mi (25.38 km2) | 1775 |
| Westminster | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 8,213 | 37.3 sq mi (96.61 km2) | 35.3 sq mi (91.43 km2) | 1770 |
| Boxford | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 8,203 | 24.4 sq mi (63.20 km2) | 23.6 sq mi (61.12 km2) | 1685 |
| Adams | Town | Berkshire | Representative town meeting | 8,166 | 23.0 sq mi (59.57 km2) | 22.9 sq mi (59.31 km2) | 1778 |
| Monson | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 8,150 | 44.8 sq mi (116.03 km2) | 44.1 sq mi (114.22 km2) | 1775 |
| Templeton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 8,149 | 32.4 sq mi (83.92 km2) | 32.0 sq mi (82.88 km2) | 1762 |
| Dighton | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 8,101 | 22.6 sq mi (58.53 km2) | 22.0 sq mi (56.98 km2) | 1712 |
| Upton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 8,000 | 21.7 sq mi (56.20 km2) | 21.5 sq mi (55.68 km2) | 1735 |
| Sterling | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 7,985 | 31.6 sq mi (81.84 km2) | 30.5 sq mi (78.99 km2) | 1781 |
| West Boylston | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 7,877 | 13.8 sq mi (35.74 km2) | 12.9 sq mi (33.41 km2) | 1808 |
| Halifax | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 7,749 | 17.3 sq mi (44.81 km2) | 16.2 sq mi (41.96 km2) | 1734 |
| West Bridgewater | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 7,707 | 15.7 sq mi (40.66 km2) | 15.3 sq mi (39.63 km2) | 1822 |
| Orange | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 7,569 | 36.0 sq mi (93.24 km2) | 35.1 sq mi (90.91 km2) | 1810 |
| Hamilton | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 7,561 | 14.9 sq mi (38.59 km2) | 14.2 sq mi (36.78 km2) | 1793 |
| Williamstown | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 7,513 | 46.9 sq mi (121.47 km2) | 46.8 sq mi (121.21 km2) | 1765 |
| Shirley | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 7,431 | 15.9 sq mi (41.18 km2) | 15.8 sq mi (40.92 km2) | 1775 |
| Stow | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 7,174 | 18.1 sq mi (46.88 km2) | 17.6 sq mi (45.58 km2) | 1683 |
| Great Barrington | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 7,172 | 45.8 sq mi (118.62 km2) | 44.8 sq mi (116.03 km2) | 1761 |
| Lincoln | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 7,014 | 15.0 sq mi (38.85 km2) | 14.4 sq mi (37.30 km2) | 1754 |
| Rockport | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 6,992 | 17.5 sq mi (45.32 km2) | 7.0 sq mi (18.13 km2) | 1840 |
| Harvard | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 6,851 | 27.0 sq mi (69.93 km2) | 26.4 sq mi (68.38 km2) | 1732 |
| Berkley | Town | Bristol | Open town meeting | 6,764 | 17.4 sq mi (45.07 km2) | 16.5 sq mi (42.73 km2) | 1735 |
| Groveland | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 6,752 | 9.4 sq mi (24.35 km2) | 9.0 sq mi (23.31 km2) | 1850 |
| Merrimac | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 6,723 | 8.8 sq mi (22.79 km2) | 8.5 sq mi (22.01 km2) | 1876 |
| Newbury | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 6,716 | 26.3 sq mi (68.12 km2) | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 1635 |
| Chatham | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 6,594 | 24.4 sq mi (63.20 km2) | 16.3 sq mi (42.22 km2) | 1712 |
| Topsfield | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 6,569 | 12.8 sq mi (33.15 km2) | 11.9 sq mi (30.82 km2) | 1650 |
| Mattapoisett | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 6,508 | 24.2 sq mi (62.68 km2) | 17.4 sq mi (45.07 km2) | 1857 |
| Dalton | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 6,330 | 21.9 sq mi (56.72 km2) | 21.8 sq mi (56.46 km2) | 1784 |
| Ashburnham | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 6,315 | 41.0 sq mi (106.19 km2) | 38.7 sq mi (100.23 km2) | 1765 |
| Orleans | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 6,307 | 22.7 sq mi (58.79 km2) | 14.1 sq mi (36.52 km2) | 1797 |
| Mendon | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 6,228 | 18.3 sq mi (47.40 km2) | 18.1 sq mi (46.88 km2) | 1667 |
| Southampton | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 6,224 | 29.1 sq mi (75.37 km2) | 28.2 sq mi (73.04 km2) | 1775 |
| Rowley | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 6,161 | 20.3 sq mi (52.58 km2) | 18.2 sq mi (47.14 km2) | 1639 |
| Granby | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 6,110 | 28.1 sq mi (72.78 km2) | 27.8 sq mi (72.00 km2) | 1768 |
| Hopedale | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 6,017 | 5.3 sq mi (13.73 km2) | 5.2 sq mi (13.47 km2) | 1886 |
| Dover | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 5,923 | 15.4 sq mi (39.89 km2) | 15.3 sq mi (39.63 km2) | 1836 |
| Lee | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 5,788 | 27.0 sq mi (69.93 km2) | 26.1 sq mi (67.60 km2) | 1777 |
| Eastham | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 5,752 | 25.7 sq mi (66.56 km2) | 14.0 sq mi (36.26 km2) | 1646 |
| Rochester | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 5,717 | 36.4 sq mi (94.28 km2) | 33.9 sq mi (87.80 km2) | 1686 |
| Bolton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 5,665 | 20.0 sq mi (51.80 km2) | 19.9 sq mi (51.54 km2) | 1738 |
| Barre | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 5,530 | 44.6 sq mi (115.51 km2) | 44.3 sq mi (114.74 km2) | 1774 |
| Boxborough | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 5,506 | 10.4 sq mi (26.94 km2) | 10.4 sq mi (26.94 km2) | 1835 |
| Manchester-by-the-Sea | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 5,395 | 18.3 sq mi (47.40 km2) | 9.2 sq mi (23.83 km2) | 1645 |
| Marion | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 5,347 | 26.1 sq mi (67.60 km2) | 12.1 sq mi (31.34 km2) | 1852 |
| Oak Bluffs | Town | Dukes | Open town meeting | 5,341 | 26.0 sq mi (67.34 km2) | 7.4 sq mi (19.17 km2) | 1880 |
| Hadley | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 5,325 | 24.6 sq mi (63.71 km2) | 23.1 sq mi (59.83 km2) | 1661 |
| Carlisle | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 5,237 | 15.6 sq mi (40.40 km2) | 15.4 sq mi (39.89 km2) | 1780 |
| Edgartown | Town | Dukes (seat) | Open town meeting | 5,168 | 122.7 sq mi (317.79 km2) | 27 sq mi (69.93 km2) | 1671 |
| Lenox | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 5,095 | 21.7 sq mi (56.20 km2) | 21.2 sq mi (54.91 km2) | 1775 |
| Deerfield | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 5,090 | 33.4 sq mi (86.51 km2) | 32.4 sq mi (83.92 km2) | 1677 |
| Paxton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 5,004 | 15.5 sq mi (40.14 km2) | 14.7 sq mi (38.07 km2) | 1775 |
| Wenham | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 4,979 | 8.1 sq mi (20.98 km2) | 7.6 sq mi (19.68 km2) | 1643 |
| Warren | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 4,975 | 27.6 sq mi (71.48 km2) | 27.5 sq mi (71.22 km2) | 1742 |
| Hampden | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 4,966 | 19.7 sq mi (51.02 km2) | 19.6 sq mi (50.76 km2) | 1878 |
| Boylston | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 4,849 | 19.7 sq mi (51.02 km2) | 16.0 sq mi (41.44 km2) | 1785 |
| Tisbury | Town | Dukes | Open town meeting | 4,815 | 19.1 sq mi (49.47 km2) | 6.5 sq mi (16.83 km2) | 1671 |
| Avon | Town | Norfolk | Open town meeting | 4,777 | 4.6 sq mi (11.91 km2) | 4.4 sq mi (11.40 km2) | 1888 |
| North Brookfield | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 4,735 | 21.7 sq mi (56.20 km2) | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 1812 |
| West Newbury | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 4,500 | 14.7 sq mi (38.07 km2) | 13.4 sq mi (34.71 km2) | 1819 |
| Sherborn | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 4,401 | 16.2 sq mi (41.96 km2) | 16.0 sq mi (41.44 km2) | 1674 |
| Hubbardston | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 4,328 | 42.0 sq mi (108.78 km2) | 41.0 sq mi (106.19 km2) | 1775 |
| West Brookfield | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 3,833 | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 20.5 sq mi (53.09 km2) | 1848 |
| Brimfield | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 3,694 | 35.2 sq mi (91.17 km2) | 34.7 sq mi (89.87 km2) | 1731 |
| Essex | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 3,675 | 15.9 sq mi (41.18 km2) | 14 sq mi (36.26 km2) | 1819 |
| Provincetown | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 3,664 | 17.5 sq mi (45.32 km2) | 9.7 sq mi (25.12 km2) | 1727 |
| Sunderland | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 3,663 | 14.7 sq mi (38.07 km2) | 14.2 sq mi (36.78 km2) | 1714 |
| Wellfleet | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 3,566 | 35.4 sq mi (91.69 km2) | 19.8 sq mi (51.28 km2) | 1775 |
| West Tisbury | Town | Dukes | Open town meeting | 3,555 | 41.8 sq mi (108.26 km2) | 25.0 sq mi (64.75 km2) | 1892 |
| Princeton | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 3,495 | 35.8 sq mi (92.72 km2) | 35.4 sq mi (91.69 km2) | 1771 |
| Brookfield | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 3,439 | 16.6 sq mi (42.99 km2) | 15.5 sq mi (40.14 km2) | 1718 |
| Dunstable | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 3,358 | 16.7 sq mi (43.25 km2) | 16.6 sq mi (42.99 km2) | 1673 |
| Hatfield | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 3,352 | 16.8 sq mi (43.51 km2) | 15.9 sq mi (41.18 km2) | 1670 |
| Nahant | Town | Essex | Open town meeting | 3,334 | 15.5 sq mi (40.14 km2) | 1.0 sq mi (2.59 km2) | 1853 |
| Sheffield | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 3,327 | 48.6 sq mi (125.87 km2) | 47.5 sq mi (123.02 km2) | 1733 |
| Cheshire | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 3,258 | 27.5 sq mi (71.22 km2) | 26.8 sq mi (69.41 km2) | 1793 |
| Ashby | Town | Middlesex | Open town meeting | 3,193 | 24.2 sq mi (62.68 km2) | 23.8 sq mi (61.64 km2) | 1767 |
| Millville | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 3,174 | 5.0 sq mi (12.95 km2) | 4.9 sq mi (12.69 km2) | 1916 |
| Berlin | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 3,158 | 13.1 sq mi (33.93 km2) | 12.9 sq mi (33.41 km2) | 1812 |
| Lanesborough | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 3,038 | 29.6 sq mi (76.66 km2) | 28.8 sq mi (74.59 km2) | 1765 |
| Plympton | Town | Plymouth | Open town meeting | 2,930 | 15.1 sq mi (39.11 km2) | 14.8 sq mi (38.33 km2) | 1707 |
| Northfield | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 2,866 | 35.4 sq mi (91.69 km2) | 34.3 sq mi (88.84 km2) | 1723 |
| Hardwick | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 2,667 | 40.8 sq mi (105.67 km2) | 38.6 sq mi (99.97 km2) | 1739 |
| Holland | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 2,603 | 13.1 sq mi (33.93 km2) | 12.3 sq mi (31.86 km2) | 1835 |
| Williamsburg | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 2,504 | 25.7 sq mi (66.56 km2) | 25.6 sq mi (66.30 km2) | 1775 |
| Truro | Town | Barnstable | Open town meeting | 2,454 | 26.3 sq mi (68.12 km2) | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 1709 |
| East Brookfield | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 2,224 | 10.4 sq mi (26.94 km2) | 9.8 sq mi (25.38 km2) | 1920 |
| Bernardston | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 2,102 | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 1762 |
| Huntington | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 2,094 | 26.8 sq mi (69.41 km2) | 26.3 sq mi (68.12 km2) | 1775 |
| Stockbridge | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 2,018 | 23.7 sq mi (61.38 km2) | 22.7 sq mi (58.79 km2) | 1739 |
| Becket | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,931 | 47.8 sq mi (123.80 km2) | 46.1 sq mi (119.40 km2) | 1765 |
| Hinsdale | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,919 | 21.7 sq mi (56.20 km2) | 20.7 sq mi (53.61 km2) | 1804 |
| Shelburne | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,884 | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 23.2 sq mi (60.09 km2) | 1775 |
| Leverett | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,865 | 23.0 sq mi (59.57 km2) | 22.9 sq mi (59.31 km2) | 1774 |
| Oakham | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 1,851 | 21.5 sq mi (55.68 km2) | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 1775 |
| Wales | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 1,832 | 15.9 sq mi (41.18 km2) | 15.7 sq mi (40.66 km2) | 1762 |
| Buckland | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,816 | 19.9 sq mi (51.54 km2) | 19.7 sq mi (51.02 km2) | 1779 |
| Conway | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,761 | 37.9 sq mi (98.16 km2) | 37.7 sq mi (97.64 km2) | 1775 |
| Phillipston | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 1,726 | 24.6 sq mi (63.71 km2) | 24.3 sq mi (62.94 km2) | 1786 |
| Shutesbury | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,717 | 27.2 sq mi (70.45 km2) | 26.6 sq mi (68.89 km2) | 1761 |
| Ashfield | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,695 | 40.3 sq mi (104.38 km2) | 40.0 sq mi (103.60 km2) | 1765 |
| Erving | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,665 | 14.4 sq mi (37.30 km2) | 13.9 sq mi (36.00 km2) | 1838 |
| Clarksburg | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,657 | 12.8 sq mi (33.15 km2) | 12.8 sq mi (33.15 km2) | 1798 |
| Russell | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 1,643 | 17.8 sq mi (46.10 km2) | 17.3 sq mi (44.81 km2) | 1792 |
| Otis | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,634 | 38.0 sq mi (98.42 km2) | 35.6 sq mi (92.20 km2) | 1773 |
| Westhampton | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 1,622 | 27.4 sq mi (70.97 km2) | 27.2 sq mi (70.45 km2) | 1778 |
| Whately | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,607 | 20.7 sq mi (53.61 km2) | 20.2 sq mi (52.32 km2) | 1771 |
| Colrain | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,606 | 43.4 sq mi (112.41 km2) | 43.1 sq mi (111.63 km2) | 1761 |
| Gill | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,551 | 14.8 sq mi (38.33 km2) | 13.7 sq mi (35.48 km2) | 1793 |
| Granville | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 1,538 | 43.0 sq mi (111.37 km2) | 42.2 sq mi (109.30 km2) | 1775 |
| New Marlborough | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,528 | 47.9 sq mi (124.06 km2) | 46.9 sq mi (121.47 km2) | 1775 |
| Richmond | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,407 | 19.0 sq mi (49.21 km2) | 18.7 sq mi (48.43 km2) | 1765 |
| Egremont | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,372 | 18.9 sq mi (48.95 km2) | 18.7 sq mi (48.43 km2) | 1775 |
| West Stockbridge | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,343 | 18.7 sq mi (48.43 km2) | 18.5 sq mi (47.91 km2) | 1775 |
| Pelham | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 1,280 | 26.5 sq mi (68.63 km2) | 25.1 sq mi (65.01 km2) | 1743 |
| Royalston | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 1,250 | 42.5 sq mi (110.07 km2) | 41.9 sq mi (108.52 km2) | 1765 |
| Chester | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 1,228 | 37.2 sq mi (96.35 km2) | 36.6 sq mi (94.79 km2) | 1765 |
| Blandford | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 1,215 | 53.4 sq mi (138.31 km2) | 51.6 sq mi (133.64 km2) | 1741 |
| Chilmark | Town | Dukes | Open town meeting | 1,212 | 100.4 sq mi (260.03 km2) | 19 sq mi (49.21 km2) | 1714 |
| Petersham | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 1,194 | 68.3 sq mi (176.90 km2) | 54.2 sq mi (140.38 km2) | 1754 |
| Worthington | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 1,193 | 32.1 sq mi (83.14 km2) | 31.9 sq mi (82.62 km2) | 1768 |
| Chesterfield | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 1,186 | 31.2 sq mi (80.81 km2) | 30.8 sq mi (79.77 km2) | 1762 |
| Charlemont | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 1,185 | 26.4 sq mi (68.38 km2) | 25.9 sq mi (67.08 km2) | 1765 |
| Monterey | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 1,095 | 27.4 sq mi (70.97 km2) | 26.4 sq mi (68.38 km2) | 1847 |
| New Braintree | Town | Worcester | Open town meeting | 996 | 20.9 sq mi (54.13 km2) | 20.7 sq mi (53.61 km2) | 1775 |
| Sandisfield | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 989 | 53.0 sq mi (137.27 km2) | 51.8 sq mi (134.16 km2) | 1762 |
| New Salem | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 983 | 58.6 sq mi (151.77 km2) | 44.8 sq mi (116.03 km2) | 1775 |
| Goshen | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 970 | 17.7 sq mi (45.84 km2) | 17.4 sq mi (45.07 km2) | 1781 |
| Wendell | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 924 | 32.2 sq mi (83.40 km2) | 31.9 sq mi (82.62 km2) | 1781 |
| Windsor | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 831 | 35.2 sq mi (91.17 km2) | 35.0 sq mi (90.65 km2) | 1771 |
| Cummington | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 829 | 23.1 sq mi (59.83 km2) | 22.9 sq mi (59.31 km2) | 1779 |
| Montgomery | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 819 | 15.2 sq mi (39.37 km2) | 15.1 sq mi (39.11 km2) | 1780 |
| Peru | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 814 | 26.0 sq mi (67.34 km2) | 25.9 sq mi (67.08 km2) | 1771 |
| Warwick | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 780 | 37.6 sq mi (97.38 km2) | 37.3 sq mi (96.61 km2) | 1763 |
| Hancock | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 757 | 35.8 sq mi (92.72 km2) | 35.7 sq mi (92.46 km2) | 1776 |
| Leyden | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 734 | 18.0 sq mi (46.62 km2) | 17.9 sq mi (46.36 km2) | 1809 |
| Heath | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 723 | 24.9 sq mi (64.49 km2) | 24.9 sq mi (64.49 km2) | 1785 |
| Florida | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 694 | 24.6 sq mi (63.71 km2) | 24.4 sq mi (63.20 km2) | 1805 |
| Savoy | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 645 | 36.0 sq mi (93.24 km2) | 35.8 sq mi (92.72 km2) | 1797 |
| Plainfield | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 633 | 21.3 sq mi (55.17 km2) | 21.1 sq mi (54.65 km2) | 1807 |
| Washington | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 494 | 38.8 sq mi (100.49 km2) | 38 sq mi (98.42 km2) | 1777 |
| Alford | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 486 | 11.5 sq mi (29.78 km2) | 11.5 sq mi (29.78 km2) | 1773 |
| Tolland | Town | Hampden | Open town meeting | 471 | 32.8 sq mi (84.95 km2) | 31.5 sq mi (81.58 km2) | 1810 |
| Aquinnah | Town | Dukes | Open town meeting | 439 | 40.8 sq mi (105.67 km2) | 5.4 sq mi (13.99 km2) | 1870 |
| Tyringham | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 427 | 18.9 sq mi (48.95 km2) | 18.6 sq mi (48.17 km2) | 1762 |
| Rowe | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 424 | 24.0 sq mi (62.16 km2) | 23.4 sq mi (60.61 km2) | 1785 |
| Middlefield | Town | Hampshire | Open town meeting | 385 | 24.2 sq mi (62.68 km2) | 24.2 sq mi (62.68 km2) | 1783 |
| Hawley | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 353 | 30.9 sq mi (80.03 km2) | 30.9 sq mi (80.03 km2) | 1792 |
| New Ashford | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 250 | 13.5 sq mi (34.96 km2) | 13.4 sq mi (34.71 km2) | 1835 |
| Mount Washington | Town | Berkshire | Open town meeting | 160 | 22.4 sq mi (58.02 km2) | 22.2 sq mi (57.50 km2) | 1779 |
| Monroe | Town | Franklin | Open town meeting | 118 | 10.8 sq mi (27.97 km2) | 10.7 sq mi (27.71 km2) | 1822 |
| Gosnold | Town | Dukes | Open town meeting | 70 | 140.2 sq mi (363.12 km2) | 13.2 sq mi (34.19 km2) | 1864 |
Geography of towns at formation
editMany municipalities have at some point been divided into two or more smaller municipalities. For example, Dorchester was incorporated in 1630 and originally included all of the current Dorchester, now the largest neighborhood of Boston, plus the Boston neighborhood of Mattapan, and all of present-day Quincy, Milton, Braintree, Randolph, Holbrook, Canton, Sharon, Stoughton, Avon and the northeast portion of Foxboro. Nearly all of Massachusetts territory had been incorporated by 1815, with the final three areas of Erving (1838), Gay Head (now Aquinnah) and Mashpee (both 1870) being incorporated from previously Native American land.
| Community | Year incorporated as a town[4] | Notes |
| Medfield | 1651 | The first town to leave Dedham. |
| Natick | 1659 | Established as a community for Christian Indians. |
| Wrentham | 1673 | Southeast corner of town was part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. |
| Deerfield | 1673 | Land was granted to Dedham in return for giving up Natick.[5] |
| Needham | 1711 | |
| Medway | 1713 | Separated from Medfield. The land was granted to Dedham in 1649.[6] |
| Bellingham | 1719 | |
| Walpole | 1724 | |
| Stoughton | 1726 | Part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. Separated from Dorchester. |
| Sharon | 1775 | Part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. Separated from Stoughton. |
| Foxborough | 1778 | Part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. |
| Franklin | 1778 | Separated from Wrentham. |
| Canton | 1797 | Part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. Separated from Stoughton. |
| Dover | 1836 | Then known as Springfield, it became a precinct of Dedham by vote of Town Meeting in 1729;[7] relegated to a parish the same year by the General Court.[8] Created the Fourth Precinct by the General Court in 1748.[9] |
| Hyde Park | 1868 | 800 acres taken from Dedham, along with land from Dorchester and Milton.[10] |
| Norfolk | 1870 | Separated from Wrentham. |
| Norwood | 1872 | Created a precinct with Clapboard Trees (Westwood) in 1729.[8] Became its own precinct in 1734.[8] |
| Wellesley | 1881 | Separated from Needham |
| Millis | 1885 | Separated from Medfield. |
| Avon | 1888 | Part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. Separated from Stoughton. |
| Westwood | 1897 | Joined with South Dedham (Norwood) to create Second Precinct in 1729.[8] Returned to First Precinct in 1734.[8] In 1737 became Third Precinct.[8][11] Last community to break away directly from Dedham. |
| Plainville | 1905 | Eastern section of town was part of the Dorchester New Grant of 1637. Separated from Wrentham. |
Former municipalities
editSome towns and cities were annexed to others; disincorporated; or ceded to another state in their entirety. This list does not include territory changes affecting only part of a municipality; see History of Massachusetts.
Annexations
editThe following formerly independent municipalities have been annexed to Boston:
- Brighton (1873)
- Charlestown (1873)
- Dorchester (1869)
- Hyde Park (1912)
- Roxbury (1867)
- West Roxbury (1873)
The town of Bradford was annexed to Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1897.
Disincorporations
editThe following towns were disincorporated in 1938 due to the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir; all their territory was absorbed into surrounding towns:
Cessions
editCeded to New Hampshire
editDue to general lack of colonial government there, all four towns in colonial New Hampshire chose to become part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1641. They were ceded to the re-formed Province of New Hampshire in 1680, under a newly issued royal charter:
Numerous towns were ceded to New Hampshire after the Northern boundary of Massachusetts was defined by royal decree in 1741:
Those towns were later disincorporated and reincorporated under New Hampshire laws on the same day in 1746.
Ceded to Rhode Island
editThe following towns were ceded to the Rhode Island colony in 1747 as part of a border dispute:
- Barrington
- Bristol
- Little Compton
- Sowams (Warren)
- Tiverton
Ceded to Connecticut
editDue to a 1642 surveying error and long-running political disputes, the following Massachusetts towns joined the Connecticut Colony in late 1749:
Ceded to Maine
editAll settlements in the District of Maine were ceded when the State of Maine gained its independence from Massachusetts in 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise:
- Addison
- Alfred
- Alna
- Anson
- Arundel (Kennebunkport)
- Athens
- Augusta
- Avon
- Baldwin
- Bath
- Belfast
- Belgrade
- Belmont
- Berwick
- Bethel
- Biddeford
- Bingham
- Blue Hill
- Boothbay
- Bowdoin
- Bowdoinham
- Bradford
- Brewer
- Bridgton
- Bristol
- Brooks
- Brooksville
- Brownfield
- Brunswick
- Buckfield
- Bucksport
- Buxton
- Calais
- Camden
- Canaan
- Cape Elizabeth
- Carmel
- Castine
- Cherryfield
- Chesterville
- China
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Corinna
- Corinth
- Cornish
- Cornville
- Cushing
- Deer Isle
- Denmark
- Dennysville
- Dexter
- Dixfield
- Dixmont
- Dresden
- Durham
- East Andover (Andover)
- Eastport
- Eddington
- Eden (Bar Harbor)
- Edgecomb
- Eliot
- Ellsworth
- Embden
- Etna
- Exeter
- Fairfax (Albion)
- Fairfield
- Falmouth
- Farmington
- Fayette
- Frankfort
- Freedom
- Freeport
- Friendship
- Fryeburg
- Gardiner
- Garland
- Georgetown
- Gilead
- Gorham
- Gouldsboro
- Gray
- Greene
- Greenwood
- Guilford
- Hallowell
- Hampden
- Harmony
- Harpswell
- Harrington
- Harrison
- Hartford
- Hartland
- Hebron
- Hermon
- Hiram
- Hollis
- Hope
- Industry
- Islesboro
- Jackson
- Jay
- Jefferson
- Jonesboro
- Kenduskeag Plantation (Bangor)
- Kingfield
- Kittery
- Knox
- Lebanon
- Leeds
- Levant
- Lewistown (Lewiston)
- Limerick
- Limington
- Lincolnville
- Lisbon
- Litchfield
- Livermore
- Lovell
- Lubec
- Lyman
- Machias
- Madison
- Malta (Windsor)
- Mercer
- Mexico
- Minot
- Monmouth
- Monroe
- Montville
- Moscow
- Mount Desert
- Mount Vernon
- New Charleston (Charleston)
- New Gloucester
- New Portland
- New Sharon
- New Vineyard
- Newburgh
- Newcastle
- Newfield
- Newport
- Newry
- Nobleboro
- Norridgewock
- North Hill (Brighton Plantation)
- North Yarmouth
- Northport
- Norway
- Orland
- Orono
- Orrington
- Otisfield
- Palermo
- Palmyra
- Paris
- Parsonsfield
- Penobscot
- Perry
- Phillips
- Phippsburg
- Pittston
- Poland
- Porter
- Portland
- Pownal
- Prospect
- Raymond
- Readfield
- Ripley
- Robbinston
- Rome
- Rumford
- Saco
- Sanford
- Sangerville
- Scarborough
- Searsmont
- Sebec
- Sedgwick
- Shapleigh
- Sidney
- Solon
- South Berwick
- St. Albans
- St. George
- Standish
- Starks
- Steuben
- Strong
- Sullivan
- Sumner
- Surry
- Swanville
- Sweden
- Temple
- Thomaston
- Thorndike
- Topsham
- Trenton
- Troy
- Turner
- Union
- Unity
- Vassalboro
- Vienna
- Vinalhaven
- Waldoboro
- Wales
- Warren
- Warsaw (Pittsfield)
- Washington
- Waterboro
- Waterford
- Waterville
- Wayne
- Weld
- Wells
- Westbrook
- Whitefield
- Wilton
- Windham
- Winslow
- Winthrop
- Wiscasset
- Woodstock
- Woolwich
- York
Archaic names
editMany municipalities have changed names.[12]
| Old name | Modern name | County | Notes |
| Acushena | Dartmouth | Bristol | |
| Agawam | Dartmouth | Bristol | Different from Agawam in Hampden County |
| Agawam Plantation | Springfield | Hampden | An Agawam separated from Springfield via West Springfield |
| Andrewstown | Chesterfield | Hampshire | |
| Apponegansett | Dartmouth | Bristol | |
| Ashuelot Equivalent | Dalton | Berkshire | |
| Attleborough | Attleboro | Bristol | The -ugh was dropped when the city was re-incorporated in 1914 |
| Barnardstone's Grant | Florida | Berkshire | |
| Basse River | Beverly | Essex | |
| Belcher's Town | Belchertown | Hampshire | |
| Berkshire Equivalent | Florida | Berkshire | |
| Billirikey | Billerica | Middlesex | |
| Blue Hill Lands | Braintree | Norfolk | |
| Boggestow | Sherborn | Middlesex | |
| Boston Township Number One | Charlemont | Franklin | |
| Boston Township Number Two | Colrain | Franklin | |
| Bullock's Grant | Florida | Berkshire | |
| Bullocks Grant | Clarksburg | Berkshire | |
| Cabotville | Chicopee | Hampden | |
| Cambridge Farms | Lexington | Middlesex | |
| Cambridge South Parish | Brighton | Suffolk | |
| Cape Ann | Gloucester | Essex | Different from the modern definition of Cape Ann, which includes Gloucester, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport |
| Chabakongomum | Dudley | Worcester | |
| Chabanagungamug | Dudley | Worcester | |
| Chappequiddick | Edgartown | Dukes | |
| Charley Mount | Charlemont | Franklin | |
| Charlton | Charlestown | Suffolk | |
| Chebacco | Essex | Essex | |
| Chequocket | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Chuckomug | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Coa | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Cochickawick | Andover | Essex | |
| Cochituit | Andover | Essex | |
| Cokachoise | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Cold Spring | Belchertown | Hampshire | |
| Colechester | Salisbury | Essex | |
| Conahasset | Cohasset | Norfolk | |
| Concord Village | Acton | Middlesex | |
| Contentment | Dedham | Norfolk | |
| Cotachesett | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Cottage City | Oak Bluffs | Dukes | |
| Danforth's Farms | Framingham | Middlesex | |
| District of Carlisle | Carlisle | Middlesex | |
| Dorchester Village | Canton | Norfolk | |
| Dorchester-Canada Plantation | Ashburnham | Worcester | |
| Ducksburrow | Duxbury | Plymouth | |
| Duxburrow Plantation | Bridgewater | Plymouth | |
| East Chelmsford | Lowell | Middlesex | |
| East Hoosuck Plantation | Adams | Berkshire | |
| East Sudbury | Wayland | Middlesex | |
| Edgar Towne | Edgartown | Dukes | |
| Emesbury | Amesbury | Essex | |
| Erving's Grant | Enfield | Hampshire | |
| Fair Haven Village | Fairhaven | Bristol | |
| Falls Fight | Bernardston | Franklin | |
| Falltown Plantation | Bernardston | Franklin | |
| Five Pound Island | Gloucester | Essex | |
| Foords Farm | Bridgewater | Plymouth | |
| Fort Massachusetts | Adams | Berkshire | |
| Freeman's Purchase | Fall River | Bristol | |
| Freemens Land | Freetown | Bristol | |
| Gageborough | Windsor | Berkshire | |
| Gay Head | Aquinnah | Dukes | |
| Gay Head Indian District | Aquinnah | Dukes | |
| Gerry | Phillipston | Worcester | |
| Glasgow | Blandford | Hampden | |
| Gloscester | Gloucester | Essex | |
| Great Harbour | Edgartown | Dukes | |
| Green Harbor | Duxbury | Plymouth | |
| Greenwich | Enfield | Hampshire | |
| Hack's Grant | Enfield | Hampshire | |
| Hawthorn | Danvers | Essex | |
| Hadley Third Precinct | Amherst | Hampshire | |
| Hockamock | Easton | Bristol | |
| Hockomock | Bridgewater | Plymouth | |
| Housatonic Township Number Four | Becket | Berkshire | |
| Huntstown Plantation | Ashfield | Franklin | |
| Hutchinson | Barre | Worcester | |
| Ipswich Eighth Parish | Essex | Essex | |
| Ireland | Holyoke | Hampden | |
| Iron Work Farm | Acton | Middlesex | |
| Ketiticut | Bridgewater | Plymouth | |
| Kokachoise | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Litchfield | Dunstable | Middlesex | |
| Little Cambridge | Brighton | Suffolk | |
| Little Salisbury | Amesbury | Essex | |
| Lyttleton | Littleton | Middlesex | |
| Manamoiet | Chatham | Barnstable | |
| Manamoit Village | Chatham | Barnstable | |
| Manamooskeagin | Abington | Plymouth | |
| Manchaug | Sutton | Worcester | |
| Manor of Tisbury | Chilmark | Dukes | |
| Mattakeeset | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Mattakeeset | Duxbury | Plymouth | |
| Mattapan | Dorchester | Suffolk | Section of Boston |
| Mennems Moone | Dorchester | Suffolk | |
| Menotomy | Arlington | Middlesex | |
| Merry Mount | Merrymount | Norfolk | Neighborhood of Quincy |
| Middlesex Gore | Dudley | Worcester | |
| Mile & Half of Land | Attleboro | Bristol | |
| Minnechaug | Hampden | Hampden | |
| Minot's Grant | Cummington | Hampshire | |
| Mishawum | Charlestown | Suffolk | |
| Mistic | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Mohootset | Carver | Plymouth | |
| Monatiquot | Braintree | Norfolk | |
| Monomoy | Chatham | Barnstable | |
| Monument Village | Bourne | Barnstable | |
| Moskeehtucketqut | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Mount Dagan | Braintree | Norfolk | |
| Mount Wollaston | Merrymount | Norfolk | Neighborhood of Quincy |
| Muddy River | Brookline | Norfolk | |
| Murrayfield | Chester | Hampden | |
| Murrayfield Grant | Cummington | Hampshire | |
| Musketequid | Concord | Middlesex | |
| Namassakeesett | Duxbury | Plymouth | |
| Nashowakemmuck | Chilmark | Dukes | |
| Nawsett | Eastham | Barnstable | |
| New Glasgow | Blandford | Hampden | |
| New Grant | Acton | Middlesex | |
| New Hingham Plantation | Chesterfield | Hampshire | |
| New Providence | Cheshire | Berkshire | |
| New Providence Hill | Cheshire | Berkshire | |
| New Providence Plantation | Adams | Berkshire | |
| New Providence Purchase | Cheshire | Berkshire | |
| New Rowley | Georgetown | Essex | |
| New Sherburn | Douglas | Worcester | |
| Newe Towne | Cambridge | Middlesex | Included modern Newton |
| Newtown | Cambridge | Middlesex | Included modern Newton |
| No Town Plantation | Buckland | Franklin | |
| Nobscusset | Dennis | Barnstable | |
| Noman's Land | Chilmark | Dukes | |
| Noddle's Island | Boston | Suffolk | |
| North Bridgewater | Brockton | Plymouth | |
| North Purchase | Attleboro | Bristol | |
| North Sandwich | Bourne | Barnstable | |
| North Wrentham | Norfolk | Norfolk | |
| Nossett | Eastham | Barnstable | |
| Noticock | Dunstable | Middlesex | |
| Nottingham | Dunstable | Middlesex | |
| Number Thirteen | Chelsea | Suffolk | |
| Nunketest | Bridgewater | Plymouth | |
| Nunnepog | Edgartown | Dukes | |
| Passacomuck | Easthampton | Hampshire | |
| Pawtucket | Chelmsford | Middlesex | |
| Pawtucket | Dracut | Middlesex | |
| Payquage Plantation | Athol | Worcester | |
| Peymechit | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Plantation Chickleystown | Charlemont | Franklin | |
| Plantation Number Five (1762 Township) | Cummington | Hampshire | |
| Plantation Number Four | Becket | Berkshire | |
| Plantation Number Nine (1762 Township) | Chester | Hampden | |
| Plantation Number One (Western Township of 1762) | Chesterfield | Hampshire | |
| Plantation Number One | Adams | Berkshire | |
| Pocomtuck | Deerfield | Franklin | |
| Podunke | Alford | Berkshire | |
| Podunkville | Alford | Berkshire | |
| Poguaige | Athol | Worcester | |
| Pompositicut | Stow | Middlesex | |
| Provincetown on Mills River | Athol | Worcester | |
| Pullen Poynte | Chelsea | Suffolk | |
| Pullin Point | Chelsea | Suffolk | |
| Punkapoag | Canton | Norfolk | |
| Quabaug Territory | Brookfield | Worcester | |
| Quabaug Territory | East Brookfield | Worcester | |
| Quaboag | Brookfield | Worcester | |
| Quequechan Region | Fall River | Bristol | |
| Quichickichick | Andover | Essex | |
| Quinsigamond | Worcester | Worcester | |
| Quobauge | Brookfield | Worcester | |
| Rowley Village | Boxford | Essex | |
| Rumney Marsh | Chelsea | Suffolk | |
| Rutland District | Barre | Worcester | |
| Sacconeesett | Falmouth | Barnstable | |
| Salem Farms | Danvers | Essex | |
| Salem Middle Parish | Danvers | Essex | |
| Salem Village Parish | Danvers | Essex | |
| Salisbury-new-toune | Amesbury | Essex | |
| Santuite | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Satucket | Brewster | Barnstable | |
| Satuite | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Sawkatucket | Brewster | Barnstable | |
| Scipuiszet | Falmouth | Barnstable | |
| Sconticut | Fairhaven | Bristol | |
| Seipuiszet | Falmouth | Barnstable | |
| Sepoese | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Sepuit | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Sesuet | Dennis | Barnstable | |
| Shawanon | Egremont | Berkshire | |
| Shawanon Purchase | Alford | Berkshire | |
| Shawmut | Boston | Suffolk | |
| Shawsheen | Billerica | Middlesex | |
| Shawshin | Billerica | Middlesex | |
| Sipnesset | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Skonkonet | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Skunkamug | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Slacksville | Plainville | Norfolk | |
| South Danvers | Peabody | Essex | |
| South Malden | Everett | Middlesex | |
| South Parish | Enfield | Hampshire | |
| South Purchase | Dighton | Bristol | |
| South Reading | Wakefield | Middlesex | |
| South Redding | Wakefield | Middlesex | |
| South Wilbraham | Hampden | Hampden | |
| Springfield Parish | Dover | Norfolk | |
| Squantums Neck | Quincy | Norfolk | Annexed to Dorchester 1641, annexed to Quincy 1792[13] |
| Suckanesset | Falmouth | Barnstable | |
| Sudbury | Wayland | Middlesex | |
| Suffield Equivalent Lands | Blandford | Hampden | |
| Tamahappaseeacon | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Taunton | Dighton | Bristol | Different from modern Taunton |
| Taunton North Purchase | Easton | Bristol | |
| Tiverton | Freetown | Bristol | Different from modern Tiverton, Rhode Island |
| Tragabigzanda | Gloucester | Essex | |
| Tremont | Boston | Suffolk | |
| Trimountaine | Boston | Suffolk | |
| Troy | Fall River | Bristol | |
| Turkey Hill | Fitchburg | Worcester | |
| Unquityquesset | Milton | Norfolk | |
| Vinson's Cove | Gloucester | Essex | |
| Wameset | Chelmsford | Middlesex | |
| Waqua | Edgartown | Dukes | |
| Ward | Auburn | Worcester | |
| Washqua | Edgartown | Dukes | |
| Waskotussoo | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Watatick Hill | Ashburnham | Worcester | |
| Wattuppa | Freetown | Bristol | |
| Weguasset | Chatham | Barnstable | |
| Wellington | Dighton | Bristol | |
| Wequaquet | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| Wessagusset Colony | Weymouth | Norfolk | Founded by Thomas Weston in 1622, 2nd oldest European settlement in Massachusetts. Incorporated as Weymouth in 1635 by settlers from the Dorset, England town of the same name. |
| West Cambridge | Arlington | Middlesex | |
| West Hoosuck | Williamstown | Berkshire | |
| West Sandwich | Bourne | Barnstable | |
| Weymouth Canada | Ashfield | Franklin | |
| Willard's Farm | Acton | Middlesex | |
| Winnissimet | Chelsea | Suffolk | |
| Wood End | Reading | Middlesex | |
| Wyngaersheek | Gloucester | Essex | |
| Yanno's Land | Barnstable | Barnstable | |
| York | Egremont | Berkshire |
See also
editNotes
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d John Ouellette (September 19, 2023). "Local Government 101". Massachusetts Municipal Association. Cite error: The named reference "MMA" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b "Population and Housing Occupancy Status: 2010 - State -- County Subdivision, 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 23, 2011.[dead link]
- ^ "Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates". Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
- ^ "Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates". William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
- ^ Hanson, Robert Brand (1976). Dedham, Massachusetts, 1635-1890. Dedham Historical Society. pp. 74–76.
- ^ Hanson 1976, p. 68.
- ^ Lockridge 1985, p. 114.
- ^ a b c d e f Lockridge 1985, p. 115.
- ^ *Lockridge, Kenneth (1985). A New England Town. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-393-95459-3.
- ^ Knight, D.D.S., Jos. King; Davis, Esq., Edmund; Humphrey, Henry B. "Memorial Sketch of Hyde Park, Mass., for the first twenty years of its corporate existence (1868 – 1888)". Hyde Park Historical Society. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
- ^ Lockridge 1985, p. 99.
- ^ Archaic Community, District, Neighborhood, Section and Village, Names in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Secretary of State Citizen Information Service. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
- ^ "DIOTD, Mar. 10, 2009 Dorchester Territory". Dorchester Atheneum. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
External links
edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cities in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts City and Town Directory, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Elections Division