History of Erving, Massachusetts, USA

1801 - Erving is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1838 - The town of Erving is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Erving
Erving, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This township remained unincorporated until April 17, 1838. Previously it had been known by the name of "Erving's Grant." It is bounded S. by Miller's and W. by Connecticut rivers. Erving contains some excellent land and a great water power. The year previous to its incorporation, the manufactures of the town, consisting of satinet, boots, shoes, palm-leaf hats, &c., amounted to $35,185. Population, 1837, 292. Erving lies 95 miles N.N.W. from Boston and 10 E. from Greenfield.
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 - ERVING. [Pop. 309. Inc. 1838.]
This little town, until lately, was known as Erving's Grant, and was probably named in honor of John Erving, a Boston merchant, to whom the tract was sold by the government.

The town lies on Miller's River and the Connecticut, where they unite.
Some woollen cloth, and boots and shoes are made here, but the main resource is agriculture.

Distance from Greenfield, 10 miles ; from Boston, 85.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Erving
The territory comprising this town was an unincorporated tract, called Erving’s Grant, lying on the north bank of Miller’s river, bounded north by Northfield and Warwick. It was incorporated as a town in 1838. A Congregational church was organized here five or six years since, but there never has been any minister settled in the place. At this time the inhabitants meet occasionally in a school-house for public worship. In the Statistical Tables published by the state, it is stated that in Erving’s Grant there was 1 woollen mill, which manufactured 25,600 yards of satinet, valued at $16,640; 12 hands, 6 male and 6 female, were employed; capital invested, $7,000. Two thousand and fifty pairs of boots and 744 pairs of shoes were manufactured, valued at $4,345. Population in 1837 was 292. There is a post office in the town. Distance, 10 miles east from Greenfield, and 85 miles from Boston.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Erving
Erving, a post-township of Franklin county, Massachusetts, on the E. side of Connecticut river, and on the Vt. and Mass. railroad, 70 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Pop., 449.
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.

Erving Massachusetts, 1890
Erving is a long narrow town, of irregular form, lying along the north side of Miller's River, in the easterly part of Franklin County. It is 91 miles west of Boston on the Fitchburg Railroad. It is also reached by the Vermont and Massachusetts and the Vermont Central railroads, at its eastern and western extremities. Northfield bounds it on the north, Warwick and Orange on the east, Wendell and Montague on the south, and the latter and Gill on the west.

The Connecticut and Miller's rivers separate it from the western towns. In the eastern part of the town is Keyup Brook, flowing from a pond of 16 acres on the Northfield line, through fertile valleys, southerly into Miller's River. Scott's Brook is an affluent of the same river in the western part of the town. Miller's River is here a rapid stream, running circuitously through a narrow valley flanked by rocky and wooded eminences on either side. The otter still frequents its waters, and among the wild hills above it the wild cat... Read MORE...

1895 - Erving
Er'ving, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Erving township, on Miller's River, 14 miles by rail E. of Greenfield. It has a church, and manufactures of chairs, sash, doors, pails, wooden boxes, piano-cases, and piano-legs. Pop. of the township, 972.
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
Erring, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Erving township (town), on Miller's River, 14 miles by rail E. of Greenfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 973.
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 activities to enjoy in and around Erving:
Erving State Forest:

Nature lovers rejoice! Erving State Forest offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and a serene lake for fishing and boating. It's a great place to spend a day immersed in the beauty of the outdoors.

French King Bridge:

Take a stroll or drive across the historic French King Bridge. The views of the Connecticut River and surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, especially during sunset.

Gill-Montague Bridge:

Another scenic spot is the Gill-Montague Bridge. Capture some Instagram-worthy shots of the bridge spanning the river and enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Dinner at a Local Eatery:

Check out local restaurants like The Wagon Wheel or a nearby cozy diner. Enjoy some comfort food and get a taste of the town's culinary scene.

Visit the Nearby Town of Greenfield:

Take a short drive to Greenfield, a neighboring town with a vibrant community. Explore their downtown area, visit shops, and perhaps catch a local event or farmers'... Read MORE...