Taunton, County seat in Bristol County, Massachusetts
Taunton is the county seat in Bristol County, Massachusetts, and sits along the river of the same name. The city covers roughly 124 square kilometers (48 square miles) and includes residential areas, commercial zones, and green spaces near the waterfront.
Colonists from Plymouth established the settlement in 1637 after acquiring land from the Nemasket people through the Tetiquet Purchase. During the 1800s, the town became a center for silverware manufacturing, with firms like Reed & Barton distributing their products nationwide.
The nickname refers to the silverware workshops that once operated throughout the county seat, with artisans shaping serving pieces and decorative objects in local factories. Many buildings from that manufacturing era still stand along the downtown streets, their brick facades and tall windows recalling the work that took place inside.
The county seat sits roughly 64 kilometers (40 miles) south of Boston and 29 kilometers (18 miles) east of Providence, with access to several major routes. Drivers can reach most neighborhoods and facilities easily, while walkers can explore the downtown area comfortably.
Since 1914, the central green transforms each December into a large light installation, earning the town its informal title as a holiday destination. Volunteers string thousands of bulbs across the lawn and nearby trees, creating a tradition that draws families from surrounding communities.
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