The term "Swamp Yankee" is thought to have originated in Thompson during the American Revolution in 1776.

One of the highest points in Thompson and the surrounding villages is Fort Hill at 649 feet (198 m) above sea level.

It is on the 42nd parallel north, putting it on the same latitude as the northern suburbs of Rome, Italy.

A minor point of geological interest is the Wilsonville Fault, created during the breakup of Pangaea nearly 200 million years ago.

[4] Thompson is composed of ten villages: As of the census[6] of 2010, there were 9,458 people, 3,730 households, and 2,587 families residing in the town.

The school also houses a small museum, called the "Memorial Room" which contains portraits of Tourtellotte and his family, and some of their possessions.

It is maintained by the local historical society, and is usually open to the public for tours one Sunday per month.

[10] Marianapolis Preparatory School was established in 1926, sponsored by the Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception.

[12] The Thompson Public Library[13] is located at 934 Riverside Drive, North Grosvenordale.

It is combined with the town's Community Center, and contains 20,400 square feet (1,900 m2) holding 55,000 items, including books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, audio tapes, video tapes, and online resources.