According to AGOODDIR, Bristol County, Massachusetts is a county located in the southeastern part of the state, bordered by Rhode Island to the south and Plymouth County to the east. The county covers an area of 619 square miles and has a population of approximately 590,000 people.
The geography of Bristol County consists mostly of coastal plains with low hills throughout. The terrain is generally flat with some rolling hills in the northern part of the county. The highest elevation in Bristol County is just over 200 feet above sea level near its northern border. The climate in this region is humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters.
The population of Bristol County is largely suburban with many small towns and cities spread throughout its borders. Over half of the population lives within 10 miles of either Providence or Boston, two major metropolitan areas in southeastern Massachusetts. Most people living here are employed in service industries such as healthcare, education and retail trade while manufacturing accounts for only 14% of employment in this region.
Bristol County has a rich history dating back to before it was even part of Massachusetts. In 1620, Plymouth Colony was founded nearby, making it one of the oldest settlements in America. During colonial times, Bristol County was home to many whaling ships that would travel around the world exploring new lands and trading goods with other countries.
Today, Bristol County is home to several universities such as Brown University and Rhode Island School Of Design which attract students from all over the world adding to its cultural diversity and vibrancy. It also features numerous attractions such as Colt State Park which offers breathtaking views from atop its hilltop overlooks as well as miles of trails great for hiking or biking through its lush forests and wetlands.
Bristol County provides a great quality of life for its residents with an abundance of activities to enjoy year-round from outdoor recreation to cultural events like concerts or theatre performances held at local venues like Veterans Memorial Auditorium or Providence Performing Arts Center. With its diverse population, beautiful landscapes and convenient location near two major cities there’s something here for everyone.
Economy of Bristol County, Massachusetts
The economy of Bristol County, Massachusetts is largely suburban and service-based. The county is home to a diverse range of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. The largest employers in the county are healthcare, education, retail trade, and manufacturing. The county is also home to several universities such as Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design which attract students from all over the world adding to its cultural diversity and vibrancy.
Healthcare is one of the most important industries in Bristol County. It accounts for nearly 20 percent of all employment in the region with hospitals like Rhode Island Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital providing a variety of services. The healthcare industry also includes many private practices as well as home health care companies that serve elderly patients in their homes.
Education is another major employer in Bristol County with several colleges located nearby including Brown University, Rhode Island College, Providence College, Johnson & Wales University and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. These institutions offer a wide range of degree programs ranging from liberal arts to engineering and provide educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
Retail trade is an important part of Bristol County’s economy as it provides goods and services to both residents and visitors alike. This sector includes everything from convenience stores to department stores like Macy’s or Target as well as restaurants and entertainment venues like movie theaters or bowling alleys.
Manufacturing has been a cornerstone of Bristol County’s economy since colonial times when whaling ships traveled around the world trading goods with other countries. Today, this sector still plays an important role in the local economy although it accounts for only 14 percent of total employment in the region due to increased automation over recent decades. Companies such as Hasbro Toys, Textron Systems Corporation, Amgen Inc., Fidelity Investments and CVS Health are some major employers who have made investments into this area recently creating jobs for local residents.
Bristol County provides a great quality of life for its residents with an abundance of activities to enjoy year-round from outdoor recreation to cultural events like concerts or theatre performances held at local venues like Veterans Memorial Auditorium or Providence Performing Arts Center.
Libraries in Bristol County, Massachusetts
According to babyinger, Bristol County, Massachusetts is home to a variety of libraries offering a wide range of services to its residents. From public libraries with vast collections of books and other resources, to university and college libraries that provide academic support, Bristol County has something for everyone.
The Bristol County Public Library System is made up of seven branches located in the cities and towns across the county. These libraries offer a variety of services such as book borrowing, free Wi-Fi access, computer use, meeting spaces for community events, and more. The library system also offers online resources such as eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines, streaming videos, and even online classes. All these services are available with just one library card.
In addition to the public library system there are several university and college libraries located in Bristol County. Brown University’s John Hay Library holds over four million volumes in its vast collection while Rhode Island College’s Fogarty Library provides access to the latest scholarly research for students and faculty alike. Johnson & Wales University’s Wildcat Center houses over 500 thousand volumes while Providence College’s Phillips Memorial Library provides access to thousands of digital resources as well as traditional print materials. Finally, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Claire T. Carney Library has an extensive collection of books and periodicals covering all areas of study from business to engineering to biology.
Bristol County also boasts several special collections housed within its local libraries including the American Antiquarian Society at Brown University which holds some of the oldest printed materials in the United States dating back as far as 1640; The Providence Athenaeum which houses rare books spanning centuries; The New Bedford Whaling Museum Library which holds an extensive collection related to whaling history; The Redwood Library & Athenaeum which serves as a cultural center for Newport; And finally The Seekonk Public Library which hosts an expansive genealogical collection containing records from all over New England dating back centuries ago.
All these wonderful resources make Bristol County’s libraries an invaluable asset for both its residents and visitors alike providing them with access to knowledge both past and present on almost any subject imaginable. Whether you are looking for leisure reading or researching a specific topic you can be sure that you will find what you need at one of Bristol County’s many outstanding libraries.
Landmarks in Bristol County, Massachusetts
Bristol County, Massachusetts is home to a wide array of gorgeous and historic landmarks. From the oldest stone bridge in the United States to a breathtakingly beautiful lighthouse, there are plenty of must-see locations for visitors and locals alike.
The Mount Hope Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bristol County. Connecting Bristol and Portsmouth, Rhode Island, this bridge was built in 1929 and is considered to be the oldest stone arch bridge in the United States. Spanning over 800 feet across Narragansett Bay, it offers stunning views of both states as well as some of Rhode Island’s many islands. The Mount Hope Bridge is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular spot for sightseeing and taking pictures.
Another popular landmark in Bristol County is the Borden Light Marina. Built in 1881, this lighthouse stands at 110 feet tall and offers some of the most spectacular views around Narragansett Bay. It’s easily accessible by boat or by land from Fall River, Massachusetts or Tiverton, Rhode Island and makes for an excellent day trip destination for visitors looking to take pictures or just enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Battleship Cove Naval Museum is another must-see attraction in Bristol County. Located on Fall River’s waterfront, this museum houses five historic ships including USS Massachusetts (BB-59), USS Joseph P Kennedy Jr (DD-850), PT 617 Torpedo Boat Memorial, SS Lionfish Submarine Memorial, and Hiddensee Missile Corvette Memorial – all preserved as part of America’s naval history. The museum also includes interactive exhibits that provide insight into naval warfare from World War II up until present day conflicts as well as a memorial garden dedicated to those who served during wartime.
The Blithewold Mansion & Gardens is another beautiful landmark located in Bristol County worth visiting if you’re looking for some outdoor exploration opportunities with plenty of photo ops along the way. This 43-acre estate was built back in 1895 by Augustus Van Wickle II who wanted to create an English country estate with sprawling gardens full of vibrant colors throughout every season – which he definitely achieved. Today, visitors can explore Blithewold Mansion & Gardens either through self-guided tours or guided group tours that provide more insight into its rich history along with plenty of picture-perfect spots throughout its gardens.
Finally, no visit to Bristol County would be complete without stopping by Colt State Park. Perfectly situated on Narragansett Bay with over 400 acres of lush greenery encircling it; Colt State Park has been a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnicking, bird watching, fishing or just enjoying a peaceful walk along its 4 miles long path that meanders through meadows full of wildflowers while offering incredible views all around towards both landmasses – Providence & Aquidneck Islands – that surround it.