History of Bernardston, Massachusetts, USA

1738 - Bernardston is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1762 - Bernardston is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Bernardston
Bernardston, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This is a township of superior land for agricultural purposes, considerably elevated, between Fall and Connecticut rivers. It was formerly called Fall Town. There was a fort here in 1746, when this part of the county was peopled mostly by Indians. It was incorporated by its present name in 1764. It lies 96 miles W. by N. from Boston, and 7 N. from Greenfield. Population, 1837, 878. Bald and West mountains afford delightful scenery:—the former is 630 feet above the waters of the Connecticut. Here are springs containing magnesia, sulphur and iron. Bernardston produced, in one year, 16,000 bushels of corn and rye, and 5,000 barrels of cider. There are 3,022 sheep in this town, and some manufactures of shoes, leather, palm-leaf hats, and scythe snaiths.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - BERNARDSTON. [Pop. 992. Inc. 1762.]
This town, with Leyden, was originally granted by the State to the officers and soldiers who were in the battle at Turner's Falls, in the town of Gill.

It was named Bernardston, in honor of Francis Bernard, who was Governor of the State from 1760 to 1769, and, by his attachment to the crown, unintentionally hastened the Resolution.

Fall River, a small stream, runs through the town, and falls into the Connecticut at Turner's Falls, between Gill and Greenfield.

The inhabitants are generally farmers.

Distance from Greenfield, 7 miles; from Boston, 96.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Bernardston
In 1735, the general assembly of the province of Massachusetts Bay granted a tract of land six miles square, north of Greenfield, including the present towns of Bernardston and. Levden, and a part. of Coleraine, to the officers and soldiers who were in the Fall Fight, an account of which may be found under the head of Gill. In consideration of the services and sufferings of these men, the tract above mentioned was granted to them or their descendants 59 years after the battle. From the fact that this battle took place at the Falls, the town took the name of Fall Town, which it was called for nearly 20 years. The first meeting of the owners of this tract of country was held at Northampton, in January, 1736, the next month after it was granted by the legislature. The proprietors were 97; among the names of these were the following: Atherton, Field, Hitchcock, Cook, Chamberlain, Alexander, Chapin, Connable, Dickinson, Edwards, Hoit, Lyman, Munn, Hunt, Smith, Wright, Pomeroy, Pratt,... Read MORE...

1854 - Bernardstown
Bernardstown, a post-township of Franklin county, Massachusetts, on the Connecticut River railroad, 100 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Population, 937.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

Bernardston Massachusetts, 1890
Bernardston lies midway of the northern border of Franklin County, 96 miles northwest of Boston. It has Vernon and Guilford, in Vermont, on the north; on the east is Northfield; on the south, Gill and Greenfield; and on the west, Leyden. The town is quite near six miles long by four wide, containing 13,994 acres, beside water surfaces and highways. Of this, about 5,000 acres is forest, consisting chiefly of chestnut and oak. In the village portions there are many maples and elms along the streets. The town is finely watered by Fall River, which. runs through the midst of it from north to south; Dry Brook on the east, and Mill Brook on its west, flow in the same direction. Couches and Shattuck brooks, coming in from the west and northwest, are the largest tributaries of the main stream.

The surface of the town is elevated and hilly, the principal settlements being in the beautiful valley of Fall River, which is flanked by mountains on east and west. Of these eminences, Bald... Read MORE...

1895 - Bernardston
Ber/ nardston, a post-hamlet of Franklin Co., Mass., on the Connecticut River Railroad, 7 miles N. of Greenfield. It has 4 churches, a public library, a school called Powers Institute, and saw-mills, a grist-mill, and a cutlery factory. Pop. in 1890, 770.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Ber'nardston, a post-village and township (town) of Franklin co., Mass., on the Connecticut River R., 7 miles N. of Greenfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 792.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in Bernardston:
Kringle Candle Company: Start your visit to Bernardston with a trip to the Kringle Candle Company. This local treasure offers beautifully crafted candles and a charming gift shop. Take a stroll through their delightful gardens and enjoy the relaxing ambiance.

Bernardston Farmers' Market: If you're visiting during the summer months, be sure to check out the Bernardston Farmers' Market. You can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a chance to mingle with locals. It's a great place to pick up some local treats.

Canal Brook Trails: For outdoor enthusiasts, Canal Brook Trails is a must-visit. These well-maintained trails offer beautiful hikes through the woods and along streams. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and hikers of all skill levels.

Pioneer Valley Winery: If you appreciate a good glass of wine, make a stop at the Pioneer Valley Winery. They offer tastings of their locally produced wines, and you can learn about the winemaking process. The scenic vineyard is a... Read MORE...