5 Fun Facts About Worcester, MA: How Well Do You Know Your City?

Located in the heart of New England, Worcester is a dynamic city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. From its world-renowned Worcester Art Museum and historic architecture to being a thriving center of education and commerce, there is a lot more to this city than what meets the eye. So whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident, impress your friends and family with these fun facts about Worcester, MA.

1. Worcester was given the nickname “Wormtown” in the late 70s

It’s said that Worcester received this nickname from a local DJ for the city’s lack of a punk rock scene.

2. Worcester is the second most populous city in Massachusetts

Worcester is the second largest city by population, just behind Boston. However, there’s quite a large gap in population size with just over 200,000 residents living in Worcester and over 670,000 people living in Boston.

3. Rocket fuel was invented in Worcester

Born in Worcester, Robert Goddard is often referred to as the “Father of Modern Rocketry” for his groundbreaking developments of modern rocket technology as both a student and teacher at Clark University in Worcester, MA. Goddard was a pioneer in the field of rocket science and was one of the first people to recognize the potential of liquid fuel over solid fuel for rockets. In 1926, he successfully launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket, which paved the way for spaceflight and rocket research in the U.S.

4. A heart is the official symbol of the city

Worcester is referred to as the “heart of the Commonwealth” because of its central location in Massachusetts between Boston and Springfield. 

5. The Worcester Art Museum was founded in 1896 and is still one of the city’s main attractions

WAM has a rich history of collecting and exhibiting art from across the globe. Its collection of nearly 38,000 objects contains outstanding examples of art and cultural heritage, including some of the finest Roman mosaics in the United States, renowned works of European and American art, and a comprehensive collection of Japanese prints documenting the entire history of printmaking in Japan.

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