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Douglas MHC Reconnaisance Town Survey

   Welcome to scenic Douglas, situated along Massachusetts' southern border along the Blackstone River Valley and part of the linear John H. Chafee National Heritage Corridor. Close to where Connecticut and Rhode Island meet and established in 1746, the 2000 census states Douglas's population at 7045, yet it is growing at even a faster pace than most of the Valley towns. The per capita income is $14,660 and the real estate tax rate is $14.99 with a 2004 median home value of just under $255,000. A little more than 1500 students attend school within the preschool program, 1-5 grade school and the 6-12 Middle and High School. Teacher salaries range from just over $32,700 to over $59,000 per year. The per pupil expenditure stands at $6,871. Douglas also participates in the Blackstone Regional Vocational School, located in Upton. 

   Douglas has worked hard to preserve many of its historical buildings, such as Jenckes General Store, and is home to the 3752 acre Douglas State Forest containing Wallum Lake, walking trails and archeological sites. This park has swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and cross-country skiing. Primarily a rural, residential community, the early economy of Douglas mixed agriculture along with cattle and sheep farming and manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles, shoes and tools. 

Douglas was named after William Douglas of Boston who donated money  to initiate the development of  the town's free schools. The residents work hard to preserve its true New England charm. President George Washington traveled through Douglas in the late 1700s but found it much too rural for his liking as the roads were very primitive. The family who ran the famous Axe Mill also were also credited with founding Alcoa Aluminum (in another state) decades later.

Town services do not include trash fees, but a sticker can be purchased for the transfer station. Churches include the First and Second Congregational Churches, St. Denis Catholic on Manchaug Road and  the United Methodist on Main Street. 

Trail: Uxbridge/Douglas, etc: New England Trunkline Trail: Franklin MA to Willimantic CT 55 mile trail (Bay State Trail Riders, 76 NW Main St, Douglas, MA 01516) SNETT - Eventually, this trail is intended to connect to the Ma Central Rail Trail, a 140 mile rails to trails project from Boston to Northampton, Ma.