History of Colrain, Massachusetts, USA

1735 - Colrain is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1761 - The town of Colerain is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Coleraine
Coleraine, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town was first settled by a colony from the north of Ireland, about the year 1736. It lies 105 miles N.W. from Boston and 9 N.W. from Greenfield. It is watered by a branch of Deerfield river, which produces a water power for 3 cotton mills and several other manufactories. The manufactures consist of cotton goods, iron castings, leather, hats, chairs, cabinet ware, ploughs, spades, shovels, forks, and hoes; total value, in one year, $91,000. This is a fine grazing township and produced, in 1837, 16,123 pounds of wool, valued at $9,133, the fleeces of 5,754 sheep. Population, 1837, 1,998.
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 - COLERAINE. [Pop. 1,971. Inc. 1761.]
Coleraine, the most populous town, was probably named from a town in the north of Ireland, some of its early settlers being Protestants from that vicinity. Before its incorporation it was called Boston Plantation, No. 2.

Coleraine was not settled in Philip's War, but it was often attacked by the French and Indians in what were called the French wars; for, whenever England and France were at war, their colonies were always involved; and the French, of Canada, always contrived to keep the Indians on their side, as the British have done since they conquered Canada and lost the United States.

Green River separates this town from Leyden, on the east, and North River, a branch of the Deerfield, supplies water-power for the factories.

A considerable quantity of wool is produced here, and the manufacture of cotton goods and that of iron are important,

Distance from Greenfield, 9 miles; from Boston, 100.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Colerain
COLERAINE was incorporated in 1761. It was previously called Boston Township. It was partly settled by emigrants from Ireland, who were Presbyterians in religious sentiment. The church in this place was Presbyterian till 1819, when it became Congregational. The first minister, Rev. Alexander McDowel, it is believed, was from Ireland. Rev. Daniel McClallen was born in Pennsylvania, but educated in Ireland. Very little is known of the early state of the religious affairs of the people, as either no church records were kept, or if kept have been lost. Mr. McDowel, the first minister, was settled in 1753; Mr. McCallen in 1769. The third minister, Rev. Samuel Taggart, was settled in 1777, and died in 1825; he retained his connection with his church and society till the close of life. He was a member of the house of representatives of the United States, from 1804, for 14 years. He is said to have remarked to a christian friend, that he had read the Bible through at Washington every year... Read MORE...

1854 - Colerain
Coleraine, a township of Franklin coun-ty, Massachusetts, about 100 miles N. W. from Boston ; watered by a branch of Deer- field river. Population, 1785.
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.

Coleraine Massachusetts, 1890
Coleraine (or "Colrain") is a large, mountainous township in the northern part of Franklin County, bordering on Vermont, whose towns of Halifax and Guilford bound it on the north; Leyden lies on the east, Greenfield, Shelburne and Charlemont are on the south, and the latter and Heath bound it on the west. Its assessed area is 25,458 acres, including 3,942 acres of woodland.

The highest of the elevations within the town are Christian Hill in the extreme north and Catamount Hill in the south; and west of this, on the line of Charlemont, is Pocumtuck Mountain, 1,888 feet high. Green River, flowing south, marks nearly the entire eastern line; while East Branch and West Branch, uniting near Foundry Village, a little south of the centre of the town, form North River, an affluent of the Deerfield River. This stream in its short course of a few miles makes its way through a narrow defile between precipitous hills; and from the carriage road, which runs along in some places far above the... Read MORE...

1895 - Colerain
Colerain, or Colrain, köl-rain', a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Colerain township, 5 miles N. of Shelburne Falls. It has 2 churches. The township has manufactures of cotton goods at Griswoldville and Shattuckville, and of wooden-wares at Elm Grove and Adamsville. Pop. of the township, 1699.
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
Colerain, or Colrain, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Colerain township (town), 5 miles N. of Shelburne Falls. The town has manufactures of cotton goods, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1749.
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 and around Colrain:
Catamount State Forest:

Explore the Catamount State Forest, known for its hiking trails and scenic beauty. It's a great place for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum:

Head to nearby Shelburne Falls to visit the Trolley Museum. Learn about the region's transportation history and take a ride on an antique trolley.

Bissell Covered Bridge:

Discover the Bissell Covered Bridge, an iconic and historic structure in Colrain. It's a perfect spot for photography and a peaceful stroll.

Colrain Historical Society Museum:

Immerse yourself in the local history by visiting the Colrain Historical Society Museum. Gain insights into the town's past through exhibits and artifacts.

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary:

Hike the trails at High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This sanctuary is maintained by the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

Bear Swamp:

If you enjoy birdwatching and wildlife... Read MORE...