History of Heath, Massachusetts, USA

1765 - Heath is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1785 - The town of Heath is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Heath
Heath, Massachusetts
Franklin county. A mountainous township good for grazing sheep, of which 2,312 were kept in 1837. There are in Heath some manufactures of leather, boots, shoes and palm-leaf hats. Incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 953. It lies 125 miles W.N.W. from Boston and 13 W.N.W. 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 - HEATH. [Pop. 895. Inc. 1785.]
The southern part of Heath was taken from Charlemont.

This town was named in honor of William Heath, a Major-General in the Revolutionary army, who belonged to Roxbury, and wrote memoirs of himself.

This is an agricultural town, the only manufacture of any importance being palm-leaf hats.

Distance from Greenfield, 13 miles; from Boston, 125.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Heath
This town was incorporated in 1785. Rev. Joseph Strong, the first minister, was settled here in 1790. The church originated from that in Charlemont, at the close of the Revolutionary war, whenMr. Leavitt was the minister of the latter. It was a period of some difficulty, owing, in part, to the state of the times.” The number of original members was thirty-five. Rev. Moses Miller succeeded Mr. Strong in the ministry, in 1804. It is stated in the American Quarterly Register, Feb. 1838, as follows, viz. : “The church now consists of about 200. It hns been diminished 100, by emigration. About 60 families attend Mr. Miller’s meeting; of which 15 do not belong to the parish. About 350 persons attend meeting statedly; 30 families attend the Baptist meeting; 10 the Methodist; and 20 are Unitarians. At one time one third of the persons in town were professors of religion.”

This is principally an agricultural town. The principal articles manufactured in the town are palm-leaf hats; of these, ... Read MORE...

1854 - Heath
Heath, a post-township of Franklin county, Massachusetts, 100 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Population, 803.
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.

Heath Massachusetts, 1890
Heath, situated among the hills in the northwest section of Franklin County, 119 miles from Boston, has for its bounds, New Hampshire on the north, Colrain on the east, Charlemont on the south, and the latter and Rowe on the west. Its assessed area is, 14,942, — which includes 3,478 acres of forests containing nearly all the New England varieties of trees. The actual area is probably 3,000 acres greater than these figures.

The land is broken and sparsely settled. The geological formation is the Quebec group and calciferous mica-schist. Pyrites and zoisite occur. There are several pretty ponds of small size. The streams are tributaries of the Deerfield River, and furnish motive power for several saw and grist and cider mills. Maple sugar, cider and vinegar are extensively produced, and lumber, bark and firewood are marketed in considerable quantities. Some articles of furniture and agricultural implements are made. The aggregate farm product in 1885 was valued at $110,279; and the... Read MORE...

1895 - Heath
Heath, a post-village and township of Franklin co., Mass., about 15 miles E. of North Adams. It has 2 churches, saw-mills, a grist-mill, &c. Pop. 503.
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
Heath, a post-village and township (town) of Franklin co., Mass., about 15 miles E. of North Adams. Pop. of the town in 1900, 441.
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 Heath:
Mohawk Trail State Forest:

Take a hike or a leisurely walk through the Mohawk Trail State Forest, which offers stunning views of the Berkshire Hills.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature.

Heath Fair:

If you happen to visit during August, don't miss the Heath Fair, an iconic event with agricultural exhibits, live music, crafts, and a variety of food vendors.

Hager's Farm Market:

Explore Hager's Farm Market for fresh, locally grown produce. It's a great spot to pick up some snacks or souvenirs to remember your visit.

Mary Lyon Church:

Visit the historic Mary Lyon Church, a beautiful example of New England architecture. The church is named after Mary Lyon, a pioneering educator.

Gunn Brook Falls:

Hike to Gunn Brook Falls for a refreshing natural experience. The falls are particularly enchanting during the spring and after a good rain.

Explore Nearby Villages:

Take a short drive to nearby charming villages like Shelburne Falls or... Read MORE...