Editing Taunton, Massachusetts

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Taunton, Massachusetts
| nickname           = The Silver City, The Christmas City
| named_for          = [[Taunton]], England
| motto              = {{nowrap|''Dux Femina Facti'' {{smaller|([[Latin]])}}<br />{{smaller|"A woman led the deed."}}}}
| image_skyline      = Taunton Green, Massachusetts.jpg
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = Taunton Green
| image_seal         = Seal of Taunton, Massachusetts.png
| image_flag         = Flag of Taunton, Massachusetts.svg
| image_map          = Bristol County Massachusetts incorporated and unincorporated areas Taunton highlighted.svg
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_caption        = Location in [[Bristol County, Massachusetts]]
| image_map1         = 
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = 
| pushpin_map        = USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Massachusetts]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol]]
| established_title  = Settled
| established_date   = 1639
| established_title2 = Incorporated (Town)
| established_date2  = 1639
| established_title3 = Incorporated (City)
| established_date3  = 1864
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government|Strong mayor / Council]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Taunton, Massachusetts|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Shaunna O'Connell]]
| leader_title2      = City Council President
| leader_name2       = Scott Martin
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title1      = [[City council|Council]]
| leader_name1       = Taunton City Council
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 125.39
| area_total_sq_mi   = 48.41
| area_land_km2      = 120.97
| area_land_sq_mi    = 46.71
| area_water_km2     = 4.42
| area_water_sq_mi   = 1.71
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2024]]
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| population_total   = 60941
| population_density_km2 = 491.08
| population_density_sq_mi = 1271.90
| population_blank2_title = [[Demonym]]
| population_blank2  = Tauntonian
| elevation_m        = 9
| elevation_ft       = 30
| timezone           = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset         = −5
| timezone_DST       = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset_DST     = −4
| coordinates        = {{Coord|41|54|00|N|71|05|25|W|region:US-MA_type:city(59,000)|display=inline,title}}
| website            = {{URL|www.taunton-ma.gov}}
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 02780 (Taunton)<br/>02718 ([[East Taunton, Massachusetts|East Taunton]])
| area_code          = [[Area code 508|508]] / [[Area code 774|774]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 25-69170
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0613154
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_25.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=May 21, 2022}}</ref>
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_est     = 
| population_footnotes = 
}}
[[File:Weir Bridge.jpg|thumb|Weir Bridge, Taunton]]
[[File:Taunton Trial Court.jpg|thumb|Taunton Trial Court, completed in 2011]]
[[File:Kitson's The Hiker stands over Taunton Green, Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|upright|The "Hiker" Statue on Taunton Green]]

'''Taunton''' is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Bristol County, Massachusetts]], United States.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bristol-county-Massachusetts|title=Bristol  |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]}}</ref> Taunton is situated on the [[Taunton River]], which winds its way through the city on its way to [[Mount Hope Bay]], {{convert|10|mi|km}} to the south. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the city had a population of 59,408; this makes Taunton the third most populated municipality in Bristol County behind [[New Bedford, Massachusetts|New Bedford]] and [[Fall River, Massachusetts|Fall River]].<ref name="Census 2020">{{cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2569170| title=Census - Geography Profile: Taunton city, Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=September 23, 2021}}</ref> [[Shaunna O'Connell]] is the [[List of mayors of Taunton, Massachusetts|mayor of Taunton.]]

Founded in 1637 by members of the [[Plymouth Colony]], Taunton is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Taunton is also known as the "Silver City", as it was a historic center of the [[silver]] industry beginning in the 19th century when companies such as Reed & Barton, [[F. B. Rogers Silver Co.|F. B. Rogers]], Poole Silver, and others produced fine-quality silver goods in the city.

Since December 1914, the city of Taunton has provided a large annual light display each December on [[Taunton Green]], giving it the additional nickname of the ''Christmas City''.

The original boundaries of Taunton included the land now occupied by many surrounding towns, including [[Norton, Massachusetts|Norton]], [[Easton, Massachusetts|Easton]], [[Mansfield, Massachusetts|Mansfield]], [[Dighton, Massachusetts|Dighton]], [[Raynham, Massachusetts|Raynham]], [[Berkley, Massachusetts|Berkley]], and [[Lakeville, Massachusetts|Lakeville]]. Possession of the latter is still noted by the naming of [[Taunton Hill]] in [[Assonet, Massachusetts|Assonet]].

== History ==
=== Beginnings ===
Taunton was founded by settlers from England and officially [[incorporation (municipal government)|incorporated]] as a [[New England town|town]] on September 3, 1639. Most of the town's settlers were originally from [[Taunton]] in [[Somerset]], [[Kingdom of England|England]], which led early settlers to name the settlement after that town. At the time of Taunton's incorporation, they explained their choice of name as being "in honor and love to our dear native country."<ref>{{Cite book|title=A History of Taunton, Massachusetts|last=Hanna|first=William F.|publisher=Old Colony Historical Society|year=2008|isbn=978-0-9798867-2-0|location=Taunton, Massachusetts|pages=11}}</ref> Prior to 1640, the Taunton area was called Cohannet, Tetiquet, or Titiquet.

The [[English Empire|English]] founders of Taunton purchased the land from the [[Wampanoag]] Natives in 1637 as part of the Tetiquet Purchase<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=CPr5qFSi7QUC&dq=tetiquet+purchase&pg=PP11 An Historical Memoir of the Colony of New Plymouth], by Francis Baylies, Wiggins & Lunt Press, 1866.</ref> and the remaining native families were relocated to the [[praying town]] of [[Ponkapoag]] in present-day [[Canton, Massachusetts]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=6c0pAAAAYAAJ&q=taunton&pg=PP1 Indian history, biography & genealogy], by Ebineezer Weaver Pierce, published by Zerviah Gould Mitchell, 1878.</ref> [[Elizabeth Poole]], contrary to local folklore,{{efn|"Her name does not appear as one of the original purchasers, although another lady 'Widdo Randall,' does. It is known that Ms. Poole became the owner of land in this vicinity, and an active promoter of its interests."<ref name="qmillbook">{{cite book |year=1889 |title=Quarter Millennial Celebration of the City of Taunton, Massachusetts |url=https://archive.org/stream/quartermillinnia00taun#page/n5/mode/2up |location=Taunton, MA |publisher=Press of Charles H. Buffington, City Government [of Taunton] |pages=33–34, 42 }}</ref> }} did not take part in the town purchase but was among its greatest benefactors and played a significant role in the founding of its church.<ref name="qmillbook" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/elizabeth-poole-first-woman-found-town-americas/ |title=Elizabeth Poole, the Puritan Who Founded a Town |publisher=New England Historical Society |access-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206060921/http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/elizabeth-poole-first-woman-found-town-americas/ |archive-date=February 6, 2017 |quote=She would become the first woman to found a town in the Americas. |url-status=dead }}</ref> Described as "the foundress of Taunton" and its matriarch, Poole "was accorded equality of rights, whether in the purchase of lands, [or] in the sharing of iron works holdings,"<ref name="1924hist">{{cite book |editor1-last=Hutt |editor1-first=Frank Wolcott |year= 1924|volume=I |title=A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts |chapter= Chapter III. The First Comers to Taunton |url= https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89064065782;view=1up;seq=98|location=New York and Chicago|publisher=Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc. |page=74 |quote=Though Elizabeth Poole did not buy 'Taunton,' as the popular account sometimes has it, but only a small portion of the eastern borders of the then unoccupied territory, it is the brief narrative of her coming here that shall always remain like a star in the crown of the beginnings of the city. We have been told of her arrival from England to Tetiquet by way of Dorchester, and how she actively interested herself in every fundamental project of the busy settlement...She was interested in establishing a church here, according to her teaching and light, and with William Hooke and Nicholas Street, Oxford University graduates, she did begin that church. It is plain, too, that here she was accorded equality of rights, whether in the purchase of lands, in the sharing of iron works holdings, or in the establishment of religious interests.}}</ref> having been a financier of the settlement's first dam and mill built for the manufacture of [[wrought iron|bar iron]].<ref name="qmillbook" />{{efn|"Several of the leading citizens of the place, including George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, James Walker, Oliver Purchis, Elizabeth Poole and others formed a joint stock company with a capital of £600, and built a dam accorss the Two Mile river, on the main road leading to Raynham, and made all the preparations for the manufacture of bar iron from bog ore."<ref name="qmillbook" />}}  Plymouth Colony was formally divided into counties on June 2, 1685, with Taunton becoming the shire town of Bristol County. The counties of Plymouth Colony were transferred to the [[Province of Massachusetts Bay]] on the arrival of its charter and governor on May 14, 1692. The Taunton area has been the site of skirmishes and battles during various conflicts, including [[King Philip's War]] and the [[American Revolution]]. Taunton was re-incorporated as a city on May 11, 1864.

=== Industrial legacy ===
In 1656, the first successful iron works in [[Plymouth Colony]] was established on the Two Mile River, in what is now part of [[Raynham, Massachusetts|Raynham]]. The [[Taunton Iron Works]] operated for over 200 years until 1876. It was the first of many iron industries in Taunton.

During the 19th century, Taunton became known as the "Silver City", as it was home to many [[silversmithing]] operations, including [[Reed & Barton]], [[F. B. Rogers Silver Co.|F.B. Rogers]], the [[Poole Silver Company]], and the [[Taunton Silverplate Company]].

In the 19th century, Taunton was also the center of an important iron-making industry, utilizing much [[bog iron]] from the numerous swamps in the surrounding area. The iron industry in Taunton produced a variety of goods including stoves (Weir Stove Company/Glenwood), tacks (Field Tack Company) and machinery. One of the more successful companies during this period was the [[Mason Machine Works]], founded by [[William Mason (locomotive builder)|William Mason]], which produced machinery for the textile industry, as well as steam locomotives. The [[Taunton Locomotive Works]] (begun in 1846) also operated in the city during this time.

Taunton was also home to several textile mills (Whittenton Mills) and other industries, such as felt (Bacon Felt) and brick making.

During the 19th century, Taunton was a major shipping point for grain from the inland, rural farm areas of Massachusetts to the rest of the nation via Weir Village and the [[Taunton River]]. With the advent of the railroad, Taunton would also become an important transportation hub due to its central location.

The city formed the Taunton Municipal Light Plant (TMLP) in 1897, when it decided to purchase the floundering Taunton Electric Lighting Company, making it a publicly owned electric utility. Today, TMLP provides electric service to 34,000 customers in Taunton, Berkley, Raynham; and sections of Dighton, Lakeville, and Bridgewater. TMLP is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, which is elected by the citizens of Taunton.

In the late 19th century, Taunton was a stop on the national bicycle racing circuit.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Balf |first1=Todd |title=Major : a black athlete, a White era, and the fight to be the world's fastest human being |date=2008 |publisher=Crown Publishers |location=New York |isbn=9780307236586 |edition=1st}}</ref> In 1897, the {{Convert|1|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} open event made news when third-place finisher W. E. Becker brutally attacked second-place winner [[Major Taylor]], knocking him unconscious for fifteen minutes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trouble on Taunton's Track |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/09/24/105953463.html?pageNumber=4 |access-date=June 13, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=September 24, 1897}}</ref>

=== Twentieth century ===
Built in 1942, U.S. Army Camp Myles Standish was a departure point for over a million U.S. and allied military personnel bound for Europe during [[World War II]].  It also functioned as a prisoner of war camp housing German and Italian soldiers.  While Camp Myles Standish was later closed in 1946, it was re-purposed as the Paul A. Dever School which was a facility that housed mentally disabled persons.  The school site of {{convert|220|acre|ha|abbr=on}} was shut down in 1982.  This portion was turned into an expansion scheme for the existing the Myles Standish Industrial Park, Taunton's north end, which is currently one of the largest in New England, covering an area over {{convert|800|acre|ha|abbr=on}}.  It services manufacturing, offices, high tech, and distribution centers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tauntondevelopment.org/msip/index1.htm|title=Myles Standish Industrial Park|accessdate=October 22, 2021}}</ref>

The [[National Weather Service]] operates a regional weather forecast office that serves much of Massachusetts, all of [[Rhode Island]], and most of northern [[Connecticut]] there.  The National Weather Service also operates the Northeast River Forecast Center on the site, serving New England and most of [[New York State|New York state]].  Several major companies operate within the industrial park and in other parts of the city.

=== Twenty-first century ===
In October 2005, the [[Whittenton Pond Dam]] north of the downtown area threatened to fail following a week that brought {{convert|9|in}} of rain to the city. Over 2,000 city residents were evacuated, all downtown businesses were ordered closed,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/town-braces-for-massive-flood/ |title=Town Braces for Massive Flood |publisher=CBS News |date=October 18, 2005 |access-date=June 9, 2007}}</ref> and Mayor Robert Nunes issued a [[state of emergency]]. It is estimated that if the dam had failed, the [[Mill River (Taunton River)|Mill River]] would have inundated the downtown area with up to {{convert|6|ft}} of water. In response, Massachusetts Governor [[Mitt Romney]] ordered an immediate inspection of high-risk dams throughout the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mass-dam-continues-to-hold/ |title=Mass. Dam Continues to Hold |publisher=CBS News |date=October 18, 2005 |access-date=June 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/10/18/massachusetts.dam/index.html |title=Officials still fear dam collapse |date=October 18, 2005 |publisher=CNN |access-date=June 9, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205015356/http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/10/18/massachusetts.dam/index.html |archive-date=February 5, 2007}}</ref>

In 2010, the historic [[Taunton City Hall]] was severely damaged in an arson fire. City government operated out of the former Lowell M. Maxham School on Oak Street for ten years, until the building was renovated and re-opened in September 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Winokoor|first1=Charles|title=Taunton City Council votes to OK using $53,000 for new City Hall design plan|url=http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20150819/news/150816194|access-date=March 21, 2016|newspaper=Taunton Gazette|date=August 19, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Sudborough">{{cite news |last1=Sudborough |first1=Susannah |title=Taunton's permanent City Hall to reopen in October -- 10 years after arson |url=https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/special/2020/09/25/tauntons-permanent-city-hall-to-reopen-in-october-10-years-after-arson/42887715/ |access-date=January 25, 2021 |publisher=Taunton Daily Gazette |date=September 25, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Pitts">{{cite news |last1=Pitts |first1=Amanda |title=Newly renovated, expanded Taunton City Hall to reopen next month a decade after arson |url=https://www.abc6.com/newly-renovated-expanded-taunton-city-hall-to-reopen-next-month-a-decade-after-arson/ |access-date=January 25, 2021 |agency=ABC-6 |publisher=WLNE |date=September 28, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Taunton Court Complex.jpg|alt=The building to the left is now used as a performing arts center called "The District Center for the Arts"|thumb|Taunton Courthouse Complex]]

In 2012 Taunton became the target location for a [[Wampanoag people|Wampanoag]] [[Native American gaming|casino]] complex which was embroiled in conflict by competing regional bands of the Wampanoag over territory claims.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120707055131/http://articles.boston.com/2012-04-16/metro/31345614_1_mashpee-wampanoag-indian-casino-tribe Casino big in Taunton spurs tribal turf fight], Boston Globe, April 16, 2012.</ref> The proposed location for the casino-resort complex is adjacent to a local elementary school and the regional technical high school, generating protests by parent and teacher groups.<ref>[http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/x1221868558/Gambling-with-East-Taunton-education-Parents-express-concern-over-potential-casino-near-schools Gambling with East Taunton education, parents express concerns over potential casino near schools], Taunton Gazette, April 13, 2012.</ref>

On June 10, 2012, the City of Taunton dedicated the Taunton [[Global War on Terrorism]] [[War Memorial]] on [[Church Green (Taunton, Massachusetts)|Church Green]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tauntongazette.com/topstories/x2067832935/Hundreds-attend-Tauntons-Global-War-on-Terrorism-Memorial-dedication-ceremony|title=Hundreds attend Taunton's Global War on Terrorism Memorial dedication ceremony|first=Marc|last=Larocque|website=tauntongazette.com}}</ref>

Taunton is home to a [[General Dynamics Mission Systems]] factory, which develops military communications equipment.{{refn|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for April 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2171906/|access-date=February 6, 2021|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for May 29, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2202498/|access-date=February 6, 2021|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for August 18, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2317151/|access-date=February 6, 2021|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 25, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2362207/|access-date=February 6, 2021|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for September 30, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2367105/|access-date=February 6, 2021|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref>}}

== Geography ==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Taunton waters.JPG|200px|thumb|A map of Taunton's watershed]] -->
[[File:Taunton ma old highlight.png|thumb|Municipalities (in grey) that were once part of Taunton]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|125.4|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|120.1|sqkm|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|4.4|sqkm|order=flip}}, or 3.53%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US2569170| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212192814/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US2569170| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Taunton city, Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=February 5, 2013}}</ref> It is the third-largest city by area in Massachusetts,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/0400000US25.06000| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212153427/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/0400000US25.06000| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): All County Subdivisions within Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=February 5, 2013}}</ref> after [[Boston]] and [[Barnstable, Massachusetts|Barnstable]].

Taunton has one major river, the [[Taunton River]], along with its tributaries, including the [[Mill River (Taunton River)|Mill River]] and the [[Three Mile River (Massachusetts)|Three Mile River]]. The highest point in the city is near its southwest corner, with an elevation of {{convert|63|m|order=flip}} above sea level.  Prospect Hill, rising over [[Lake Sabbatia]] north of the downtown, has an elevation of {{convert|60|m|order=flip|0}}.<ref>U.S. Geological Survey ''Taunton, MA'' 7.5 by 15-minute quadrangle, 1987.</ref>

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification]], Taunton has either a [[Humid continental climate#Hot summer subtype|hot-summer humid continental climate]] (abbreviated ''Dfa''), or a hot-summer [[Humid subtropical climate|humid sub-tropical climate]] (abbreviated ''Cfa''), depending on the isotherm used.

{{Weather box
|location = Taunton, Massachusetts, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1997–present
|single line = Yes

|Jan record high F = 71
|Feb record high F = 70
|Mar record high F = 84
|Apr record high F = 94
|May record high F = 96
|Jun record high F = 99
|Jul record high F = 100
|Aug record high F = 103
|Sep record high F = 95
|Oct record high F = 87
|Nov record high F = 80
|Dec record high F = 76

|Jan avg record high F = 59.9
|Feb avg record high F = 58.1
|Mar avg record high F = 66.9
|Apr avg record high F = 78.9
|May avg record high F = 88.5
|Jun avg record high F = 91.6
|Jul avg record high F = 95.5
|Aug avg record high F = 93.0
|Sep avg record high F = 89.1
|Oct avg record high F = 80.2
|Nov avg record high F = 70.7
|Dec avg record high F = 63.1
|year avg record high F = 97.2

|Jan high F = 38.0
|Feb high F = 40.0
|Mar high F = 47.5
|Apr high F = 58.7
|May high F = 69.5
|Jun high F = 77.8
|Jul high F = 83.6
|Aug high F = 82.4
|Sep high F = 75.0
|Oct high F = 63.1
|Nov high F = 52.6
|Dec high F = 43.3
|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 28.8
|Feb mean F = 30.7
|Mar mean F = 38.0
|Apr mean F = 48.1
|May mean F = 58.7
|Jun mean F = 67.3
|Jul mean F = 73.2
|Aug mean F = 72.2
|Sep mean F = 64.7
|Oct mean F = 53.0
|Nov mean F = 43.4
|Dec mean F = 34.5
|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 19.7
|Feb low F = 21.4
|Mar low F = 28.5
|Apr low F = 37.5
|May low F = 47.8
|Jun low F = 56.8
|Jul low F = 62.8
|Aug low F = 62.0
|Sep low F = 54.3
|Oct low F = 43.0
|Nov low F = 34.1
|Dec low F = 25.7
|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -0.8
|Feb avg record low F = 1.7
|Mar avg record low F = 10.7
|Apr avg record low F = 23.2
|May avg record low F = 32.1
|Jun avg record low F = 40.9
|Jul avg record low F = 49.5
|Aug avg record low F = 45.9
|Sep avg record low F = 34.7
|Oct avg record low F = 25.3
|Nov avg record low F = 17.3
|Dec avg record low F = 8.1
|year avg record low F = -3.1

|Jan record low F = -12
|Feb record low F = -16
|Mar record low F = -6
|Apr record low F = 14
|May record low F = 27
|Jun record low F = 36
|Jul record low F = 43
|Aug record low F = 42
|Sep record low F = 31
|Oct record low F = 19
|Nov record low F = 10
|Dec record low F = -3

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.72
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.43
|Mar precipitation inch = 5.05
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.75
|May precipitation inch = 3.38
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.08
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.50
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.61
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.88
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.28
|Nov precipitation inch = 4.15
|Dec precipitation inch = 4.94
|year precipitation inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 10.6
|Feb precipitation days = 7.5
|Mar precipitation days = 8.6
|Apr precipitation days = 10.2
|May precipitation days = 11.1
|Jun precipitation days = 9.5
|Jul precipitation days = 8.8
|Aug precipitation days = 9.4
|Sep precipitation days = 9.5
|Oct precipitation days = 9.0
|Nov precipitation days = 10.1
|Dec precipitation days = 10.3

|Jan snow inch = 8.3
|Feb snow inch = 7.0
|Mar snow inch = 4.9
|Apr snow inch = 1.6
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 0.2
|Dec snow inch = 3.7
|year snow inch =

|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 3.6
|Feb snow days = 2.5
|Mar snow days = 2.0
|Apr snow days = 0.2
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.1
|Dec snow days = 1.3

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00198367&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Taunton, MA
|access-date = June 16, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service (mean maxima/minima 2006&ndash;2020)<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=box
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Boston
|access-date = June 16, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

===Historic districts===
{{See also|National Register of Historic Places listings in Taunton, Massachusetts}}

There are nine designated historic districts within the city:
* [[Bay Road (Bristol County, Massachusetts)|Bay Road]] Historic District, also known as ''Post Road.'' The road runs from Taunton to Boston. ({{convert|1300|acres|ha|abbr=on|disp=or}}), 1 structure, 2 objects)
* [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol County]] Courthouse Complex (13 acres, three buildings)
* [[Church Green (Taunton, Massachusetts)|Church Green]] Historic District, also known as Meetinghouse Common (160 acres, 18 buildings, one object)
* [[Hopewell Mills District]] (120 acres, 13 buildings)
* Old Bay Road Historic District, also known as ''The Post Road''; The King's Highway (150 acres, 1 structure, three objects)
* [[Reed and Barton Complex]]
* [[Taunton Green Historic District]] (50 acres, 22 buildings, three objects)
* [[Taunton State Hospital]] Historic District, also known as the ''Taunton Lunatic Asylum'' ({{convert|1250|acres|ha|abbr=on|disp=or}}), 38 buildings, eight structures)

Due to the annexation of towns from the original town of Taunton, the city now is irregularly shaped; with it (along with neighboring Raynham) roughly making a triangle. The city is bordered by [[Norton, Massachusetts|Norton]] to the northwest, [[Easton, Massachusetts|Easton]] to the north, [[Raynham, Massachusetts|Raynham]] to the northeast, [[Middleborough, Massachusetts|Middleborough]] to the east, [[Lakeville, Massachusetts|Lakeville]] to the southeast, [[Berkley, Massachusetts|Berkley]] and [[Dighton, Massachusetts|Dighton]] to the south, and [[Rehoboth, Massachusetts|Rehoboth]] to the west.

City neighborhoods include the Bird Lanes, Clearview Estates, [[East Taunton]], Elliot's Corner, Herring Run Estates, Linden Estates, Matthews Landing, [[North Taunton, Massachusetts|North Taunton]], [[Oakland, Massachusetts|Oakland]], Pine Crest Estates, Pine Hill Estates, Wades Corner, [[Weir Village, Massachusetts|Weir Village]], Westville, Whittenton, Whittenton Junction, Britannia Village or Britanniaville, Willis Lake Village, and Woodward Estates. Taunton is also home to almost the entirety of [[Massasoit State Park]] in East Taunton, and a large portion of the [[Hockomock Swamp]] Wildlife Management Area in North Taunton.

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations
|type= USA
|1790|3804
|1800|3860
|1810|3907
|1820|4520
|1830|6042
|1840|7645
|1850|10441
|1860|15376
|1870|18629
|1880|21213
|1890|25448
|1900|31036
|1910|34259
|1920|37137
|1930|37355
|1940|37395
|1950|40109
|1960|41132
|1970|43756
|1980|45001
|1990|49832
|2000|55976
|2010|55874
|2020|59408
|2023*|60412
|source={{center|U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>}}
|footnote=* = population estimate. {{Historical populations/Massachusetts municipalities references}}<ref name="1950_Census_Urban_populations_since_1790">{{cite web |title=1950 Census of Population|volume=1: Number of Inhabitants|at=Section 6, Pages 21-7 through 21-09, Massachusetts Table 4. Population of Urban Places of 10,000 or more from Earliest Census to 1920|publisher=[[Bureau of the Census]]|access-date=July 12, 2011|year=1952|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/23761117v1ch06.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020−2023| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] | access-date=May 19, 2024 | url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html}}</ref>
}}

As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 55,874 people, 22,045 households, and 14,473 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,200.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 22,908 housing units at an average density of {{convert|491.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the [[city]] was 83.67% (79.7% Non-Hispanic) [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 4.84% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.26% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.0% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 5.59% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.21% from two or more races. Persons of [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] ethnicity constituted 6.73% of the population.

The city of Taunton was very multi-cultural with peoples of different origins living within the city. 34% of the city was [[Luso-American]]. The biggest ethnic backgrounds people claimed were 23% [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]], 17% [[Irish people|Irish]], 9% [[English People|English]], 9% [[French people|French]], 8% [[Cape Verde]]an, and 4% [[Puerto Rican-American|Puerto Rican]]. Most of Taunton's immigration occurred near the turn of the 1900s when immigrants came to work in the city's mills.

There were 22,045 [[household]]s, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 15.4% had a female [[household]]er with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. Of all households 28.2% were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

Males had a median income of $36,895 versus $27,686 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $19,899. About 10.0% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.9% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

=== Religion ===
Numerous religious groups exist within the city, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish congregations. The First Parish Church - now a [[Unitarian Universalist]] church, located at Church Green at the east end of downtown - was founded in 1637, before the Town of Taunton was even established. The current church dates from 1830. The Pilgrim Congregational Church on Broadway was formed in 1821, its current church built in 1851. The city's oldest Roman Catholic parish - St. Mary's Church - is located further north at the intersection of Broadway and Washington Street, and is known as Saint Mary's Square. The town is home to the IQRA Islamic Center on Whittenton Street, and the local Muslim congregation is currently raising funds to build a new mosque. In the 1880s, Jewish immigrants from Russia began to move to the town; Congregation Agudath Achim was founded in 1911. The congregation is now an independent, progressive synagogue.

== Economy ==
Taunton's economy has historically been based on [[silversmith]]ing and [[shipbuilding]]. Reed & Barton produced the [[1996 Summer Olympics]] medals and silverware used exclusively for the [[White House]]. Also, the city produced the anchor for the [[USS Constitution|USS ''Constitution'']]. The nearby town of [[Raynham, Massachusetts|Raynham]] produced the anchor for the Civil War-era [[ironclad]] [[USS Monitor|USS ''Monitor'']].

Today, the city's economy has  emphases on [[semiconductor]], silicon, and [[electronics]] manufacturing. It is home to the corporate headquarters of many leading corporations in various industries. Currently, the city is trying to attract [[biotechnology]] research companies to its industrial parks.

[[Silver City Galleria]] was a large [[shopping mall]] in Taunton catering to the local city and to the neighboring towns and cities of Raynham, Berkley, Rehoboth, Dighton, New Bedford, Fall River, Norton, Easton, Assonet, Acushnet, Bridgewater, Lakeville, Middleboro, and Freetown. It was open for 28 years, closing on February 29, 2020 and was demolished on May 9, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Kelly |date=2021-01-21 |title='The mall is done': Taunton's Silver City Galleria to be demolished |url=https://turnto10.com/news/local/the-mall-is-done-tauntons-silver-city-galleria-to-be-demolished |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=NBC10 WJAR |language=en}}</ref>

== Arts and culture ==
=== Public spaces ===
{{Panorama
|image   = File:Taunton Green (Massachusetts) Panorama.jpg
|height  = 230
|alt     = Taunton Green Panorama
|caption = Daffodils and flowering trees brighten Taunton Green on a spring day.
}}
The [[Taunton Green Historic District|Taunton Green]] is the city's central square. Early in its history, "The Green" was used as a training ground for militias in the [[American Revolution]]. Some say it was also the site of the historic "Liberty & Union"/"Taunton" flag raising in 1774 by the [[Sons of Liberty]], prior to the American Revolution.<ref>{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Taunton (Massachusetts) |display=Taunton |volume=26 |page=453}}</ref> Since the early 20th century, Taunton Green has temporarily been transformed during the [[winter holiday season]] into a grand display of holiday lights, scenes, and extravagant events. This is where and how the city earned its unofficial nickname in the surrounding areas as the "Christmas City."
[[File:Saint Mary Taunton.jpg|thumb|right|St. Mary's Church]]
[[File:Taunton Public Library front view 2015.jpg|thumb|Taunton Public Library]]
[[File:Bristol Superior Court Taunton.jpg|thumb|[[Bristol County Superior Courthouse]], Taunton]]
[[File:Pilgrim Church Taunton.jpg|thumb|[[Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts)|Pilgrim Congregational Church]]]]

"The Green" continues to provide a centralized location for citywide Christmas activities, other holidays, events, and parades for the citizens of Taunton. A fountain is located at the center of the Taunton Green. Always to be seen flapping together in emblematic unison, the "Liberty & Union" flag and the U.S. flag fly side-by-side on the flagpole at the city's center.

The city is served by a central public library, the [[Taunton Public Library]], which opened in 1903 and has undergone several expansions and renovations since that time. Also of note is the [[Old Colony Historical Society]], which archives the city and region's past.

The city is home to two state parks operated by the [[Department of Conservation and Recreation (Massachusetts)|Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation]]: [[Massasoit State Park]] in [[East Taunton, Massachusetts|East Taunton]] and [[Watson Pond State Park]] in the north part of the city.

=== Architecture ===
The city of Taunton has a wide array of architecture ranging from the colonial period to modern times. There are numerous pre-Revolutionary War private homes within the city. The oldest of these is the [[Joseph Willis House]] on Worcester Street, which to about 1688. The city has over one hundred buildings listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Bristol County, Massachusetts|National Register of Historic Places]].

Perhaps the most impressive structure in the city is the towering [[Bristol County Superior Courthouse]], which built in 1894 and designed by Frank Irving Cooper. With its tall, copper dome the Superior Courthouse is visible from many surrounding areas. It was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1978. Currently, the Courthouse Complex is undergoing a major expansion and renovation program.

Other significant buildings in the city include some fine, stone churches; including the First Parish Church (1830); the Pilgrim Congregational Church (1851); and [[St. Mary's Complex|St. Mary's Church]] (1868) on Broadway.

Downtown Taunton has a number of historic, commercial blocks along Main Street, Taunton Green, and Broadway. These were built during the period between around 1840 to 1920.

Many large homes built by the wealthy industrialists and merchants of the late 19th and early 20th century line [[U.S. Route 44|Route 44]] both east (Dean Street) and west (Winthrop Street) of the city center; however, a majority of the city is occupied by more modest, wood-framed single and multi-family homes, many over 100 years old. Modern, single-family [[Subdivision (land)|subdivisions]] - built mostly since the 1950s - exist on the outskirts of the sprawling city.

The [[Central Fire Station (Taunton, Massachusetts)|Central Fire Station]] at 50 School Street is recognized as the oldest functioning station house in the United States. The historic [[Taunton City Hall]] is located adjacent to [[Church Green (Taunton, Massachusetts)|Church Green]].

=== Museums and galleries ===
One of New England's oldest historical societies, the [[Old Colony Historical Society]] is located on the picturesque Church Green. Founded in 1853, the Society maintains a museum of regional objects, houses a research library specializing in local history and genealogy, and hosts arts and cultural events throughout the year.

Taunton has four art galleries: Taunton Art Association (John Baradas Gallery), Hughes/Donahue Gallery, Art Euphoric, and the Trescott Street Gallery. The Taunton Art Association was founded in 1973 but had it roots in the Girl's Club in the early 1960s. Hughes/Donahue Gallery, founded in 2007, is a local community gallery serving local Taunton artists, as well as the surrounding areas of Southeastern Massachusetts and the cities of Providence, Rhode Island, and Washington, DC. Art Euphoric, founded in 2008, has both visual and craft exhibits and sales. The Trescott Street Gallery, founded in 2012, is primarily a visual-arts gallery but also exhibits crafts.

===Film===
In March 2008, Hollywood director [[Martin Scorsese]] filmed a portion of the film ''[[Shutter Island (film)|Shutter Island]]'' starring [[Leonardo DiCaprio]] in Taunton on-location at the Whittenton Mills Complex.<ref name=IMDB.com>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/locations Filming locations for ''Shutter Island'' (2009)]. Retrieved February 24, 2010.</ref> ''[[Surrogates]]'' - starring [[Bruce Willis]] - was partly filmed in the city, at the old Paul Dever school.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0986263/locations Filming locations for ''Surrogates'' (2009)]. Retrieved April 12, 2016.</ref>

== Government ==
As the seat of [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol County]], Taunton hosts several important county institutions, including the Taunton District Court, Bristol County Register of Deeds, and the historic [[Bristol County Courthouse Complex|Bristol County Superior Courthouse]].

Taunton operates under a [[Mayor–council government|mayor–council]] government. The mayor is elected to a two-year term and serves as the city's chief executive. [[Shaunna O'Connell]] has served as mayor since January 2020, becoming the first woman elected to the office in Taunton's history.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gazette|first=Taunton|title=Shaunna O'Connell is Taunton's first female mayor|url=https://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20191106/shaunna-oconnell-is-tauntons-first-female-mayor|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=southcoasttoday.com|language=en}}</ref> She succeeded Thomas Hoye Jr., who resigned after being appointed Register of Probate for Bristol County by [[Charlie Baker|Governor Charlie Baker]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Taunton Mayor Hoye to step down for new job; O'Connell announces bid to replace him|url=https://www.tauntongazette.com/news/20190805/taunton-mayor-hoye-to-step-down-for-new-job-oconnell-announces-bid-to-replace-him|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=The Taunton Daily Gazette, Taunton, MA|language=en}}</ref>

The Taunton City Council functions as the legislative branch and consists of nine at-large members elected to two-year terms. Voters may select up to nine candidates in municipal elections, with the top vote-getters elected to the council. The council presidency rotates annually, traditionally going to the most senior member who has not yet held the position.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Taunton, MA: Municipal Council Rules and Orders |url=https://ecode360.com/29009291 |access-date=January 25, 2021 |website=City of Taunton, MA Code |language=en-US}}</ref>

In addition to the City Council, Taunton voters elect members to several other local bodies, including the School Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP) Commission. Other commissions and boards are filled through mayoral appointments and City Council confirmations.

As of May 2025, Taunton is represented in the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives]] by:

* A vacant seat in the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives' 3rd Bristol district|3rd Bristol District]] (previously held by Rep. [[Carol Doherty]] (D); [[2025 Massachusetts House of Representatives Bristol 3 special election|a special election]] is scheduled for June 10, 2025),
* Rep. [[Justin Thurber]] (R–[[Massachusetts House of Representatives' 5th Bristol district|5th Bristol District]]),
* Rep. [[Norman Orrall|Norm Orrall]] (R–[[Massachusetts House of Representatives' 12th Bristol district|12th Bristol District]]).

In the [[Massachusetts Senate]], Taunton is represented by Sen. [[Kelly Dooner]] (R–[[Massachusetts Senate's 1st Plymouth and Bristol district|1st Plymouth and Bristol District]]). Federally, the city is part of [[Massachusetts's 4th congressional district|Massachusetts' 4th congressional district]], which is represented by Rep. [[Jake Auchincloss]]. Taunton is also represented in the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] by Senators [[Elizabeth Warren]] and [[Ed Markey]].

Taunton has been home to several notable political figures. Among them is [[Robert Treat Paine]], a signer of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] and the first [[Massachusetts Attorney General|Massachusetts]] [[Massachusetts Attorney General|Attorney General]] following American independence. [[Marcus Morton]], a former governor, and [[Stephanie Cutter]], a prominent Democratic political consultant, also hail from Taunton.

Twelve [[List of presidents of the United States|U.S. presidents]] have visited Taunton.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Larocque|first=Marc|title=Taunton has played host to many presidents over the years|url=https://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20130218/NEWS/302189838|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=The Taunton Daily Gazette, Taunton, MA|language=en}}</ref> Notably, [[Abraham Lincoln]] campaigned in the city on behalf of [[Zachary Taylor]] before the [[1848 United States presidential election|1848 presidential election]], twelve years before Lincoln was [[1860 United States presidential election|elected president himself.]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 30, 2020|title=Abraham Lincoln in Taunton|url=https://ochm.medium.com/abraham-lincoln-in-taunton-7d98ea7d0738|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref> Most recently, [[Bill Clinton]] visited Friedman Middle School ahead of [[Super Tuesday]] for [[Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Winokoor|first=Charles|title=Bill Clinton back in Taunton stumping for Hillary on Super Tuesday: Welcome back Mr. President|url=https://www.heraldnews.com/article/20160301/NEWS/160309633|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=The Herald News, Fall River, MA|language=en}}</ref>

During World War II, [[Camp Myles Standish]] served as a major [[prisoner-of-war camp]] and staging area for over one million Allied soldiers. The site was briefly considered as a potential location for the [[Headquarters of the United Nations|United Nations headquarters]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nichols|first=Christopher|title=Overflow crowd turns out to hear history of Camp Myles Standish|url=https://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20120317/NEWS/303179921|access-date=January 25, 2021|website=Wicked Local|language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" style="float:center; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ Taunton presidential election results<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/search/year_from:1970/year_to:1970/|title=Election Results}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Third party (United States)|Third parties]]
! Total Votes
! Margin
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2020 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2020]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.01%''' ''14,996''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|41.64% ''11,148''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.35% ''629''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26,773
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|14.37%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2016 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2016]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''52.08%''' ''12,365''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.01% ''9,973''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|5.91% ''1,404''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|23,742
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|10.07%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2012 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2012]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.58%''' ''13,769''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.62% ''8,925''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.81% ''418''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|23,112
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|20.96%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2008 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2008]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''58.77%''' ''13,243''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.50% ''8,677''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.73% ''615''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|22,535
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|20.26%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2004 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2004]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''62.22%''' ''13,206''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|36.77% ''7,804''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.00% ''213''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|21,223
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|25.45%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2000 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|2000]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''65.10%''' ''12,886''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.38% ''5,816''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|5.51% ''1,091''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|19,793
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|35.72%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1996 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1996]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''63.27%''' ''10,635''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|23.76% ''3,994''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|12.97% ''2,181''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|16,810
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|39.51%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1992 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1992]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''44.75%''' ''8,683''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|26.02% ''5,049''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|29.23% ''5,673''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|19,405
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|15.51%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1988 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1988]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''52.82%''' ''8,953''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.05% ''7,805''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.13% ''191''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|16,949
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|6.77%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1984 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1984]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|47.12% ''7,516''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.27%''' ''8,337''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.61% ''97''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|15,950
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|5.15%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1980 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1980]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''45.73%''' ''7,591''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|39.82% ''6,610''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|14.45% ''2,398''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|16,599
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|5.91%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1976 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1976]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''63.06%''' ''11,329''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|33.67% ''6,049''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|3.27% ''588''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|17,966
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.39%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1972 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1972]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''58.91%''' ''10,009''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.47% ''6,876''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.62% ''105''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|16,990
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|18.44%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1968 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1968]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''68.45%''' ''11,735''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|27.20% ''4,663''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|4.35% ''745''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|17,143
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|41.25%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1964 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1964]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''79.83%''' ''13,786''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|19.99% ''3,452''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.18% ''31''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|17,269
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|59.84%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1960 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1960]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''67.56%''' ''12,652''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|32.32% ''6,053''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.12% ''22''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|18,727
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|35.24%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[1956 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1956]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.48% ''8,001''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.30%''' ''10,360''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.22% ''41''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|18,402
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|12.82%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1952 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1952]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.63%''' ''9,748''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|49.19% ''9,471''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.18% ''35''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|19,254
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|1.44%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1948 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1948]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''64.84%''' ''11,592''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|34.52% ''6,172''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.64% ''115''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|17,879
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.31%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1944 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1944]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.51%''' ''8,645''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.36% ''6,633''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.13% ''20''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|15,298
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|13.15%
|-
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[1940 United States presidential election in Massachusetts|1940]]
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.54%''' ''9,687''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|42.21% ''7,106''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|0.25% ''42''
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|16,835
|align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|15.33%
|}

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="6" | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of August 24, 2024<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of August 24, 2024|url=https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/enrolment_count_20240903.pdf|access-date=October 10, 2024|website=|publisher=Massachusetts Elections Division}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="2" | Party
! Number of Voters
! Percentage
|-
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| align="center" | 9,397
| align="center" | 27.9%
|-
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| align="center" | 3,366
| align="center" | 9.5%
|-
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Unaffiliated
| align="center" | 30,306
| align="center" | 60.9%
|-
| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}}
| [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]]
| align="center" | 210
| align="center" | 0.7%
|-
! colspan="2" | Total
! align="center" | 43,640
! align="center" | 100%
|}

== Education ==
Education in Taunton ranges from preschool through post-secondary education.

=== Public primary and secondary ===
Taunton has nine public elementary schools and three public middle schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tauntonschools.org/Taunton/Districtone.htm |title=Taunton High District Report Card |publisher=Taunton Public Schools |year=2006 |access-date=June 9, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060823094449/http://www.tauntonschools.org/Taunton/Districtone.htm |archive-date = August 23, 2006}}</ref>

====Elementary schools====
* Edmund Hatch Bennett Elementary School
* East Taunton Elementary School
* Harold H. Galligan Elementary School
* Hopewell Elementary School
* Edward F. Leddy PreSchool
* Joseph C. Chamberlain Elementary School
* Elizabeth Pole Elementary School
* Mulcahey Elementary School (formerly Mulcahey Middle School)

====Middle schools====
* Benjamin A. Friedman Middle School
* Joseph H. Martin Middle School
* John F. Parker Middle School

====High schools====
Taunton has three public high schools: [[Taunton High School]], Taunton Alternative High School, and [[Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School]].

Closed former schools in Taunton include:
* Lowell M. Maxham Elementary School (closed in June 2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tauntongazette.com/features/x427974856/Maxham-Walker-to-close|title=Maxham, Walker to close|first=Gerry|last=Tuoti|website=tauntongazette.com}}</ref>
* Walker Elementary School (closed in June 2010)
* Pole Elementary School (closed 2007)
* Leonard Elementary School (closed 2009)
* Barnum School (closed 2013)
* Cohannet Middle School (closed in June 2000)
* Summer Street School
* Coyle and Cassidy High School (Closed 2020)

=== Private schools ===
The city has one Catholic school of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River]] - Our Lady of Lourdes School - in Weir Village,<ref name=Winokoor>{{cite web|author=Winokoor, Charles|url=https://www.tauntongazette.com/news/20180323/end-of-era-as-st-marys-in-taunton-gears-up-to-close|title=End of an era as St. Mary's in Taunton gears up to close|newspaper=[[Taunton Daily Gazette]]|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=June 26, 2020}} - [https://bridgewater.wickedlocal.com/news/20180320/st-marys-school-in-taunton-closing-its-doors-after-more-than-century Also at] Wicked Local Bridgewater.</ref> serving grades Pre-K–8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ololtaunton.com/welcome-to-the-olol-middle-school/|title=Welcome to the OLOL Middle School|date=April 29, 2020|publisher=Our Lady of Lourdes School|access-date=June 26, 2020}}</ref>

Taunton formerly had one Catholic middle-high school, [[Coyle and Cassidy School]]. Prior to 2014 it had only high school and a separate Taunton Catholic Middle School provided middle school, but that year the two merged into the Coyle and Cassidy building.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fallriverdiocese.org/coyle-and-cassidy-high-school-taunton-catholic-middle-school-to-join/|title=Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton Catholic Middle School to Join|publisher=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River]]|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2020}}</ref> Coyle and Cassidy closed in the wake of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and merged into Connolly, but Connolly did not take Coyle and Cassidy's middle school students, who were instead directed to Our Lady of Lourdes School.<ref name=Closingforgood>{{cite web|url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/04/16/coronavirus-coyle-and-cassidy-st-margaret/|title=Coronavirus Impact: Coyle And Cassidy, St. Margaret Catholic Schools Closing For Good|publisher=[[WBZ-TV|WBZ]] CBS Boston|date=April 16, 2020|access-date=June 26, 2020}} - Since Coyle and Cassidy HS students were redirected to Connolly, as per the source, Connolly became the area Catholic high school.</ref>

It also formerly housed St. Mary's Primary School, a Catholic elementary which opened in 1908.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.catholicschoolsalliance.org/st-marys-primary-school-celebrating-109-years-of-catholic-education/|title=St. Mary's Primary School Celebrating 109 years of Catholic Education|publisher=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River]]|date=October 23, 2017|access-date=June 26, 2020}}</ref> It was previously known as St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Elementary School.<ref name=Winokoor/> {{circa|2008}}<!--source: "just about a decade ago"--> its enrollment was about 266<!--133 * 2 = 266-->; this fell to 133 in 2018. The school closed that year. Principal Michael O'Brien stated that the state of the physical plant was one factor in the school's closure.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hyman, Rebecca|url=https://www.tauntongazette.com/news/20180320/st-marys-school-in-taunton-closing-its-doors-after-more-than-century|title=St. Mary's school in Taunton closing its doors after more than a century|newspaper=[[Taunton Daily Gazette]]|date=March 20, 2018|access-date=June 26, 2020}}</ref>  The school did not have an elevator. In addition to the physical plant factor, the diocese also no longer wished to cover the school's expenses. In 2018 it was $500,000 in debt for salaries and other items, and it also had a $1.5 million debt for 2006–2014 medical/dental insurance costs.<ref name=Winokoor/>

=== Higher education ===
Taunton is home to a satellite campus of [[Bristol Community College]], which is located at the (former) Taunton Catholic Middle School. In addition, the city houses career schools such as the Rob Roy Academy beauty school. [[Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School]] offers adult education classes.

==Media==
===Television and radio===
Taunton has local [[Public, educational, and government access]] (PEG) [[cable TV]] channels which include the [[Public-access television]] Taunton Community Access and Media, Inc. ([[Comcast]] Channel 15; Verizon 22), [[Educational television]] Taunton Educational Network (Comcast Channel 9; Verizon 23) which is run by the Taunton High School TV Studio and [[Government-access television]] Taunton Municipal Network (Comcast Channel 17; Verizon 24). Comcast's Taunton system carries all Providence and Boston stations as well and both markets are available over-the-air. The two radio stations based in Taunton are AM 1530/ 99.7 FM WVBF (licensed to nearby Middleborough Center), which features local programming and the Talking Information Center out of Marshfield, a non-profit radio station serving the blind and print impaired population of Massachusetts; and WSNE-FM 93.3, which primarily serves the Providence radio market and has its studios in the city of [[Providence, Rhode Island|Providence]].

From 1949 until 2007, Taunton was also served by local radio station [[WPEP]]-AM 1570. However the station was silenced with the upgrade of Keating Wilcox's station also on 1570, in [[Beverly, Massachusetts]].  The city is now served by AM 1530/99.7 FM WVBF. Since August 2019, the station has been owned by Dean of the State Senate Marc R. Pacheco of Taunton, and programmed by longtime New England radio veteran Chris Keach, who started work at the station in 2010 when it was owned by Steven Callahan and managed by Tony Lopes. The AM signal now broadcasts with 5000 watts of power, and covers a large portion of Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

===Newspapers===
Taunton is served by several publications including the ''[[Silver City Bulletin]]'', ''[[Brockton Enterprise]]'', and the ''[[Taunton Daily Gazette]]''. Regional papers of importance such as the ''[[Boston Globe]]'', ''[[Boston Herald]]'', and ''[[Providence Journal]]'', are also widely available.

===Internet===
Some of the major Internet providers in Taunton are [[Comcast]], [[EarthLink]], SBC Yahoo! Dial, and [[Verizon]]. The [[Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant]] (TMLP), Taunton's [[Electrical power industry|electric company]], is also an Internet service provider for the city and its surrounding towns.

==Infrastructure==
=== Fire department ===
Taunton has 127 firefighters on the Taunton Fire Department (TFD). The TFD currently operates out of five fire stations, located throughout the city, and operates a fire apparatus fleet of five engines, three ladders, one brush unit, one dive rescue unit, two fireboats, and several other special, support, and reserve units. The current Chief of Department is Timothy J. Bradshaw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taunton-ma.gov/Pages/TauntonMA_Fire/index|title=Fire Department – City of Taunton MA|website=www.taunton-ma.gov}}</ref>

=== Healthcare and utilities ===
[[File:Morton Hospital.jpg|thumb|right|Morton Hospital]]

Taunton is home to the [[Morton Hospital and Medical Center]], located on Washington Street, just north of the city center.

Taunton State Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located on Hodges Avenue. One of its historic old buildings had to be demolished after it was severely damaged by fire in 2006. This hospital is now one of the very few mental health hospitals in Massachusetts for longer-term, in-patient care of psychiatric patients.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}}

Electricity is provided to residents by the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP), located in the south end. The city has a municipal water system, with a treatment plant and water supply in nearby [[Lakeville, Massachusetts|Lakeville]], as well as a public sewer system with a treatment plant on West Water Street in the south end of the city, discharging into the [[Taunton River]].

=== Transportation ===
Taunton is the central highway hub of southeastern Massachusetts. Much of the eastern parts of the state's major highways intersect and/or run through the city, especially at its center. [[U.S. Route 44#Massachusetts|US 44]], [[Massachusetts Route 138|MA 138]], and [[Massachusetts Route 140|MA 140]] intersect at Taunton Green, the square at Taunton's center. MA 140 is also accessible from the eastern neighborhood of the city, popularly referred to as "East Taunton." Additionally, [[Route 24 (Massachusetts)|MA 24]] and MA 140 intersect near East Taunton, and it is at that junction that Route 140 ceases to be a two-lane divided freeway from the south and becomes a smaller state highway to the north. [[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|Interstate 495]] runs through the northern portion of Taunton, unofficially referred to as "North Taunton", and parallel to Myles Standish Industrial Park, Taunton's main industrial park.

Various smaller routes run through other parts of the city. These include a small portion of [[Massachusetts Route 104|MA 104]], close to the Taunton-Raynham city limits, and [[Massachusetts Route 79|MA 79]], close to the Taunton-Berkley-Lakeville ([[Plymouth County, Massachusetts|Plymouth County]]) city-town-county limits. Taunton is the western terminus of MA 104. It merges into US 44 after entering the city.

Taunton has one [[MBTA Commuter Rail]] station – [[East Taunton station]]. The proposed second phase of the [[South Coast Rail]] project would add [[Taunton station (Old Colony Railroad)|a stop near Downtown Taunton on Dean Street]]. The [[Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority]] (GATRA) provides bus [[Public transport|mass transit]]. The [[Middleboro Secondary]] and [[New Bedford Main Line]] freight rail lines pass through Taunton.

Taunton has its own [[Taunton Municipal Airport|municipal airport]], serving mostly smaller craft and occasional commuter jets. The nearest airport with national airline service is [[T.F. Green Airport]] in Rhode Island, and the nearest international service is at [[Logan International Airport]] in Boston.

== Notable people ==
{{Main|List of people from Taunton, Massachusetts}}

== Sister cities ==
Taunton is a [[sister city]] of:
* {{flagdeco|UK}} [[Taunton]], [[Somerset]], England, [[United Kingdom]]
* {{flagdeco|PRT}} [[Angra do Heroismo]], [[Terceira]], [[Azores]], [[Portugal]]
* {{flagdeco|PRT}} [[Lagoa (Azores)]], [[São Miguel Island|Sao Miguel]], Azores, Portugal

== See also ==
* [[List of mill towns in Massachusetts]]

== Explanatory notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==

{{reflist|30em}}
* ''History of Taunton, Massachusetts from Its Settlement to the Present Time'' by Samuel Hopkins Emery, published 1893.

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Taunton (Massachusetts)|Taunton, Massachusetts}}
{{NSRW Poster|Taunton, Mass.}}
* [https://www.taunton-ma.gov/ City of Taunton official website]
* [http://www.tauntonareachamber.org/ Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120717013235/http://www.usigs.org/library/books/ma/TauntonVR/Taunton_1929_Vol1Births_0001.html/ Vital Records of Taunton Mass. to 1850]
* [http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcpdf/townreports/SE-Mass/tau.pdf ''Massachusetts Historical Commission Reconnaissance Survey Report on Taunton'']. Good federally funded review of Taunton's history, especially its industrial history. Published 1981.
* [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b4602987&view=1up&seq=5 ''History of Taunton, Massachusetts, from its settlement to the present time''], by Samuel Hopkins Emery, 1893. 
* Duane Hamilton Hurd, ''History of Bristol County, Massachusetts: With Biographical Sketches of Many Pioneers and Prominent Men.'' [https://books.google.com/books?id=uauYBOCKCS0C Part 1]; [https://books.google.com/books?id=AmTJUSifk8AC Part 2]; [https://books.google.com/books?id=AmTJUSifk8AC Taunton, Chapter 58, page 728]. Published 1883.
* Wall & Gray. 1871 [https://web.archive.org/web/20120214003832/http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_pages.asp?ImageName=PAGE_0085.jpg&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&pageprefix= Taunton].
* City of Taunton, Mass. 1875. Panoramic Map by O.H. Bailey at Library of Congress. [https://www.loc.gov/resource/g3764t.pm003251/]

{{Bristol County, Massachusetts}}
{{Massachusetts}}
{{Greater Boston}}
{{Massachusetts county seats}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Taunton, Massachusetts| ]]
[[Category:1637 establishments in Plymouth Colony]]
[[Category:Cities in Bristol County, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Cities in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:County seats in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1637]]
[[Category:Providence metropolitan area]]