Douglas, a town between the Blackstone and French River Valleys is at the southern border of Massachusetts near where Connecticut and Rhode Island converge. The town takes its name from Dr. William Douglas of Boston who donated the money to build free schools in the town. Douglas has grown in size since its first settlement as a town...
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Douglas, a town between the Blackstone and French River Valleys is at the southern border of Massachusetts near where Connecticut and Rhode Island converge. The town takes its name from Dr. William Douglas of Boston who donated the money to build free schools in the town. Douglas has grown in size since its first settlement as a town based in agriculture, sheep and cattle farming, lumbering and charcoal making. Mills in town were early manufacturers of shoes, blades and tools. As farming activity waned, land reverted to woods.
Incorporated in 1746, Douglas is 40 miles southwest of Boston. Worcester is 18 miles north and Providence, Rhode Island is within commutable distance. Nearby highways include routes 495, 395 and Massachusetts Turnpike Route 90. Geographically, Douglas is bounded by Sutton and Oxford on the north; Burrilville, Rhode Island on the south; Uxbridge on the east; and Webster on the west. The approximately 7000 residents of Douglas live within 37 square miles of town.
This small New England town is served by a town government consisting of a board of selectmen and by open town meetings. There is a full-time police department and fire department as well as a school district of one elementary school, one middle school and one high school. Additionally, students can attend Blackstone Regional Vocational High School. The 3752 acre Douglas State Forest provides outdoor recreation for residents and visitors in all seasons. The park's Wallum Lake offers hiking and water activities.
Throughout the town, there are numerous ponds as well. Douglas has done well to preserve its historical architecture. An historic district in the center of town has a number of old buildings including the circa 1840 Jenkes General Store Museum. Various other historic homes, buildings, mills and churches also exist. This rural residential community is dominated by single family homes and feature homes generally situated on large, multi-acre wooded lots.
In August 2008, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Douglas, MA was $269,390. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
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