History of Hawley, Massachusetts, USA

Hawley was first settled in 1760 as Plantation Number 7, by a group from Hatfield.

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1792 - The town of Hawley is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Hawley
Hawley, Massachusetts
Franklin county. Hawley is on elevated ground, and watered by branches of Deerfield river. The soil is good for grazing, and feeds about 3,000 sheep. A considerable quantity of leather is tanned in this town. Incorporated, 1792. Population, 1837, 995. Hawley has good iron ore and some iron works. It lies 107 miles W. by N. from Boston and 14 W. by S. 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 - HAWLEY. [Pop. 977. Inc. 1792.]
This town is situated on the Green Mountain range, and is watered by several small branches of Deerfield River.

Some sheep are raised, and some leather manufactured, but agriculture is the main concern.

Distance from Greenfield, 20 miles; from Boston, 120.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Hawley
This town was incorporated in 1792. It has an elevated situation on the Green mountain range, and is well watered by several branches of Deerfield river. Rev. Jonathan Grout, the first Congregational minister, was settled here in. 1793; he died in 1835, aged 72. His successor was Rev. Tyler Thacher. No regular minister has yet been settled over the second parish. The names of some of the first settlers were Deacon Joseph Bangs, Adjutant Zebedee Wood, Daniel Burt, Samuel and Arthur Hitchcock, Timothy Baker, Reuben Cooley, Joseph Easton, Elisha Hunt, Abel Parker, Nathan West, Phineas Scott, Thomas King, Joseph Longley, William Mclntire, and James Percival. Part of the north part of the town is named from Bozrah, Con., from which place some of the first settlers came.

Old Mr. Hale, one of the first settlers of this town, located himself about half a mile from the South Hawley post-office. He is described as being a very singular sort of a man. He was never married, but lived by... Read MORE...

1854 - Hawley
Hawlet, a post-township, Franklin county, Massachusetts, about 100 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 880.
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.

1859
HAWLEY, a township of Franklin co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 111 m. NW of Boston, watered by branches of Deefried river. It has a hilly surface, but affords good pasturage. Pop. in 1840, 977.

A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Volume 3 Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Hawley Massachusetts, 1890
Hawley, situated on the highlands in the western part of Franklin County, has for its boundaries, Charlemont on the north, Buckland and Ashfield on the east, Plainfield on the south, and Savoy on the west.

Its assessed area is 17,895 acres. There are 6,416 acres of forest, consisting of maple, beech, birch, hemlock and spruce. The land is hilly, the scenery picturesque, and the climate cold and healthful. Among the minerals found here are massive iron pyrites, magnetic iron, and zoisite. Forge Hill, in the western centre, is one of the most prominent elevations. A large number of clear and sparkling brooks, well stored with trout, flow from the hills, and swell the waters of Deerfield River. The soil is good for grazing, and the growing of wool receives considerable attention. There are large quantities of maple sugar sent to market.

The product of the 133 farms in 1885 was valued at $102,639. There are three saw mills, also manufactories of broom-handles, and of straw and... Read MORE...

1895 - Hawley
Haw'ley, a mountainous township of Franklin co. Mass., 16 miles W. of Greenfield. It contains the post-hamlets of Hawley and West Hawley, and has a mint spring. There are 2 churches, Pop. 588.
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
Hawley, a mountainous township (town) and hamlet of Franklin co., Mass., 10 miles W. of Greenfield. It has a mineral spring. Pop. of the town in 1900, 429.
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 Hawley:
Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort:

Start your trip with a burst of adrenaline at Zoar Outdoor. Whether you're into whitewater rafting, zip-lining, or kayaking, they've got you covered. It's a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

Mohawk Trail State Forest:

Nature lovers, rejoice! Mohawk Trail State Forest offers miles of hiking trails, camping sites, and breathtaking views. Take a leisurely hike, have a picnic, or just soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Chapel Brook Falls:

For a dose of tranquility, head to Chapel Brook Falls. The waterfall is a serene spot for a peaceful hike, and the sound of cascading water adds to the overall calming atmosphere.

Berkshire East Mountain Resort:

Skiing in winter, ziplining in summer – Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a year-round destination for outdoor fun. It's not just about the activities; the stunning mountain views are a bonus.

Historic Deerfield:

Take a step back in time by visiting Historic ... Read MORE...