What is the geography of Essex, Massachusetts?
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 41.3 km sq (15.9 square miles). 36.7 km sq (14.2 mi sq) of it is land and 4.6 km sq (1.8 mi sq) of it (11.17%) is water. It has an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Essex River. The central part of Essex lies on marsh land that surrounds the Essex River. The central channel of this river converges with the Annisquam River at the westernmost tip of Cape Ann where both flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The land that makes up the limits of the town is close to sea level, with a few low hills dotting the landscape. The aforementioned Chebacco Lake and surrounding wetlands make up most of the southwestern part of the town. Essex’s population has increased at a sustainable rate over the last quarter century, so it still maintains a certain rural quality with abundant forested areas, wet lands and open spaces. Though not accessible directly by a major highway, Essex can be reached by two state highways – from the
