The 8th Bristol District

Learn about the communities and boundaries that make up our district.

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Interactive District Map
An overview of the 8th Bristol District. For precise boundaries, please refer to the official resources linked below.
Official District Description
“8th Bristol - Consisting of Precincts 2, and 3, of the town of Acushnet, Ward 1 Precinct A and Ward 6 Precincts A, B, of the city of Fall River, Precincts 2, 3, of the town of Freetown, and Ward 1 Precinct B1, and C, of the city of New Bedford, and the town of Westport, all in the county of Bristol.”

Source: MA Legislature. District boundaries are effective since the 2022 elections and represent approximately 43,959 residents.

Comprehensive District Boundaries

Detailed Boundary Description

The 8th Bristol District encompasses a diverse area of southeastern Massachusetts, strategically drawn to represent communities with shared interests and geographical connections. The district spans from the Rhode Island border to the shores of Buzzards Bay, including coastal, agricultural, and urban areas.

Municipality-by-Municipality Breakdown:
Westport (Entire Town)

The district includes all of Westport, from the Dartmouth town line to the Rhode Island border. This encompasses:

  • Central Village and Town Hall area
  • Head of Westport and the historic village center
  • Westport Point with its maritime heritage
  • Acoaxet and the southwestern coastal areas
  • Horseneck Beach and the entire southern shoreline
  • North Westport and agricultural areas
  • All rural roads and farming communities
Acushnet (Precincts 2 and 3)

The eastern and southern portions of Acushnet, including:

  • Areas south of Main Street (Route 105)
  • Neighborhoods along and east of South Main Street
  • The Acushnet River corridor in these precincts
  • Rural areas bordering New Bedford and Fairhaven
Fall River (Ward 1 Precinct A, Ward 6 Precincts A & B)

Southeastern and eastern sections of Fall River:

  • Ward 1 Precinct A: Southeastern neighborhoods near the Westport line, including areas along Route 6 and south of President Avenue
  • Ward 6 Precincts A & B: Eastern Fall River bordering Freetown and Westport, including neighborhoods along Route 24 and east of North Main Street
Freetown (Precincts 2 and 3)

Southern and eastern sections of Freetown:

  • East Freetown area
  • Neighborhoods along Route 140 south
  • Areas bordering Fall River and New Bedford
  • Rural communities in the southeastern portion of town
New Bedford (Ward 1 Precincts B1 and C)

Northwestern sections of New Bedford:

  • Neighborhoods in the far northwest of the city
  • Areas adjacent to Acushnet and Freetown
  • Communities along the northern city boundary
Geographic Features & Boundaries

The district boundaries follow natural features including the Acushnet River, Copicut River, and Westport River systems. Major roadways like Interstate 195, Route 24, and Route 6 serve as both connectors and boundary markers. The district's coastal areas include significant portions of Buzzards Bay shoreline, while inland areas feature agricultural lands, forests, and suburban neighborhoods.

District Demographics

Population

Population: ~43,959 residents (2020 Census)

District Type

District Type: Mix of urban and rural communities

Geography

Geography: Coastal district with agricultural and fishing communities

Established

Established: Current boundaries effective since 2022 elections

Specific Areas Included

  • Acushnet

    Precincts 2 and 3

  • Fall River

    Ward 1 Precinct A, Ward 6 Precincts A and B

  • Freetown

    Precincts 2 and 3

  • New Bedford

    Ward 1 Precincts B1 and C

  • Westport

    Entire town

Notable Landmarks & Areas

Coastal Features

  • Horseneck Beach State Reservation
  • Westport Harbor
  • Buzzards Bay shoreline

Historic Sites

  • Westport Point Historic District
  • Head of Westport Village
  • Historic mills along the Acushnet River

Natural Areas

  • Copicut Woods
  • Acushnet River Reserve
  • Agricultural preservation areas

Transportation

  • Interstate 195 corridor
  • Route 24 access points
  • Route 6 commercial areas
Map & Data Resources