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Monroe, Massachusetts

Monroe, Massachusetts
Town
Monroe Town Hall
Monroe Town Hall
Official seal of Monroe, Massachusetts
Seal
Location in Franklin County in Massachusetts
Location in Franklin County in Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42°43′19″N 72°56′29″W / 42.72194°N 72.94139°W / 42.72194; -72.94139Coordinates: 42°43′19″N 72°56′29″W / 42.72194°N 72.94139°W / 42.72194; -72.94139
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Franklin
Settled 1800
Incorporated 1822
Government
 • Type Open town meeting
Area
 • Total 10.8 sq mi (27.9 km2)
 • Land 10.7 sq mi (27.7 km2)
 • Water 0.08 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Population (2010)
 • Total 121
 • Density 11/sq mi (4.3/km2)
Time zone Eastern (UTC-5)
 • Summer (DST) Eastern (UTC-4)
ZIP code 01350
Area code(s) 413
FIPS code 25-42040
GNIS feature ID 0618170

Monroe is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 121 at the 2010 census. By area, population and population density, it is the smallest town in the county; and is the second-smallest town by population in the Commonwealth, with only Gosnold having fewer residents.

Monroe is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Monroe was first settled in 1800 and was officially incorporated in 1822. The town was named for President James Monroe, who was in office at the time of incorporation. The town was mostly rural, with dairy farming taking up much of the town's economic activity. During the mid-19th century, the town did get some business from the building of the Hoosac Tunnel, just south of town in Florida. In 1885, however, a railroad line was built between neighboring Readsboro, Vermont, and Holyoke to haul wood pulp to a paper factory. This, in turn, enticed the Ramage family to establish the James Ramage Paper Company in 1887. The company was the main industry well into the 20th century, before closing in 1984.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 10.8 square miles (28 km2), of which 10.7 square miles (28 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2), or 0.65%, is water. Monroe is located at 42° 43'18.80"N, 72° 56'29.38"W. The town is located on the northwestern corner of Franklin County along the Vermont state border, and is bordered by Berkshire County to the west and Bennington County, Vermont, to the north. It is bordered on the north by the towns of Stamford and Readsboro, Vermont, on the east by Rowe, and on the south and west by Florida. Monroe is 26 miles (42 km) northwest of Greenfield, 55 miles (89 km) north-northwest of Springfield, and 115 miles (185 km) west-northwest of Boston.


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