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Hanson, MA

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Hanson, MA

Hanson is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. Part of Greater Boston, Hanson is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Boston and is one of the inland towns of the South Shore. The population was 10,639 at the 2020 census.

Hanson was first settled in 1632 as the western parish of Pembroke. The town was officially incorporated in 1820 and was named for Maryland publisher of the Federal Republican newspaper and U.S. Senator Alexander Contee Hanson. Hanson was a champion of free speech and freedom of the press, and he was severely beaten and his newspaper offices were attacked and destroyed by an angry mob after he published an article that was critical of the administration shortly after the outbreak of the War of 1812.

The town's early industry revolved around farming, as well as bog iron and quarrying. Mills also popped up along the rivers during the nineteenth century. Today the town is mostly residential, with some farming and cranberry farming. Ocean Spray was first started by several bogs in Hanson and remained headquartered in Hanson before moving to Plymouth in September 1977.

Hanson was home to the Plymouth County Hospital, a tuberculosis sanatorium, located on Bonney Hill, opening in 1919 and remaining open until 1992. It was demolished in 2017.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.7 square miles (40.6 km2), of which 15.0 square miles (38.9 km2) is land and 0.66 square miles (1.7 km2), or 4.21%, is water. It is the 250th largest town in the Commonwealth, over seven square miles smaller than the average. Hanson is considered one of the inland towns of Massachusetts's South Shore and is bordered by Rockland and Hanover to the north, Pembroke to the east, Halifax to the south, East Bridgewater to the west, and Whitman to the northwest. Hanson is located approximately 9 miles (14 km) east of Brockton, 13 miles (21 km) south of Quincy, and 18 miles (29 km) south-southeast of Boston.

Mostly flatland, the highest elevation in town is Bonney Hill at 152 ft, making it one of the highest points in Plymouth County. Another hill of prominence is Almshouse Hill near the current-day center of town named for the Josiah Cushing home (built in 1763), which was purchased in 1837 and used as an almshouse until 1902.

Hanson, like many towns in central Plymouth County, is dominated by lakes, rivers, and swamps. The largest ponds include Oldham Pond along the Pembroke town line, Indian Head Pond (the source of Indian Head Brook) just south of Oldham Pond, Maquan Pond, located east of the center of the town, and Wampatuck Pond, located in the center of the town. In addition to Indian Head Brook, the town has several other brooks and rivers, including the Shumatuscacant River and Poor Meadow Brook to the west, and White Oak Brook to the south. To the north of town lies the Little Cedar Swamp, along Indian Head Brook. There is a small town forest and two camps, Rainbow Camp and Camp Kiwanee, within the town as well. Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area lies mainly in the section of town called Burrage or South Hanson. About half of the 1,625 acres (7 km2) are in Hanson, the other half in Halifax.

Hanson places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital offers a top-notch medical staff and a full spectrum of high-quality, state-of-the-art healthcare services. Cynergy CrossFit offers personalized training programs tailored to individual needs, promoting overall fitness and well-being. Pembroke Country Club provides opportunities for golf enthusiasts to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. For those interested in group fitness, the South Shore YMCA - Emilson Branch hosts a variety of classes including yoga and swimming. Rockland Golf Course offers another option for golf lovers seeking to improve their game. Residents can also participate in wellness activities at Anytime Fitness, which features state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs. Old Colony YMCA provides specialized fitness programs such as group exercise and fall prevention classes, beneficial for older adults. Pilgrim Skating Arena offers ice skating activities suitable for all ages, promoting cardiovascular health and coordination
 

Top Sites in Hanson, MA are The Blueberry Farm, Cranberry Cove, Camp Kiwanee, and Boss Academy of Performing Arts.
 

Area: 15.7 sq mi (40.6 km2). Elevation: 90 ft (27 m). ZIP Code: 02341, 02350. Area Code: 339/781. Population: 10,639 (2020).

FAQs

What is Hanson Ma famous for?

Incorporated in 1820, Hanson's economy was dominated by lumbering, shingle making, and the cranberry industry. In 1912, a huge cranberry packing house was built in Hanson. This, with many later additions, eventually became the Ocean Spray Corporation. Today, Hanson is a small, residential community with many lakes, ponds, and New England-style homes. Visitors to this quiet and peaceful town can enjoy several outdoor activities at area ponds and visit the Hanson Civil War Memorial at Hanson Town Hall.

What towns border Hanson, Massachusetts?

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.7 square miles (40.6 km2), of which 15.0 square miles (38.9 km2) is land and 0.66 square miles (1.7 km2), or 4.21%, is water. It is the 250th largest town in the Commonwealth, over seven square miles smaller than the average. Hanson is considered one of the inland towns of Massachusetts's South Shore and is bordered by Rockland and Hanover to the north, Pembroke to the east, Halifax to the south, East Bridgewater to the west, and Whitman to the northwest. Hanson is located approximately 9 miles (14 km) east of Brockton, 13 miles (21 km) south of Quincy, and 18 miles (29 km) south-southeast of Boston.

Is Hanson MA a good place to live?

Living in Hanson offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Hanson, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Hanson and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Hanson are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Hanson

Niche

See Plymouth

The Blueberry Farm

Cranberry Cove 

Camp Kiwanee 

Boss Academy of Performing Arts

Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital

Cynergy CrossFit

Pembroke Country Club

South Shore YMCA - Emilson Branch

Rockland Golf Course

Anytime Fitness

Old Colony YMCA

Pilgrim Skating Arena 

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