Dartmouth, Massachusetts

Dartmouth is located in Southeastern Massachusetts in the County of Bristol; bordered by Fall River and Freetown to the north, New Bedford to the east, Westport to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Dartmouth is approximately 60 miles south of Boston and 30 miles east of Providence and is the fifth largest town in the Commonwealth.

Dartmouth's history was that of an agricultural community, but during the late 19th century its coastline became a resort area for the wealthy members of New Bedford society.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 253.4 km (97.8 mi). 159.5 km (61.6 mi) of it is land and 93.9 km (36.2 mi) of it (37.06%) is water. Geographically, it is the 3rd largest town in Massachusetts.

The town is accessible by Interstate 195 and US Route 6, both of which run parallel through the town on an east-west axis. Route 140 is located just over the New Bedford Line and is accessible by US Route 6, and Interstate 195. Route 177 also lies to the edge of town (in Dartmouth) on the border with Westport, accessible by Route 6 near Lake Noquochoke and the Westport River's source. Route 177 runs south into Rhode Island. Routes 177, 140 and 195 are based upon old Indian routes and trails. Dartmouth includes Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve that extends from Fall River into many protected forests of North Dartmouth in the Collins Corner, Faunce Corner and Hixville Sections of town.

There are many rivers that flow North/South in Dartmouth such as the Copicut River, Shingle Island River, Paskamanset River, Slocums River, Destruction Brook, and Little River. Dartmouth is divided into two primary sections: North Dartmouth (USPS ZIP code 02747) and South Dartmouth (USPS ZIP code 02748). It should be noted, however, that the use of "North" and "South" is no longer official, only colloquial.