History of Leverett, Massachusetts, USA

1713 - Leverett is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1774 - The town of Leverett is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Leverett
Leverett, Massachusetts
Franklin county. A good grazing town, on high ground, 85 miles W.N.W. from Boston and 10 S.E. from Greenfield. This town is watered by Roaring brook, a rapid stream, on which is a cascade, and some wild scenery, worthy of the traveler's notice. Incorporated, 1774. Population, 1837, 902.
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 - LEVERETT. [Pop. 875. Inc. 1774.]
Leverett was once the eastern part of Sunderland.

This town was named in honor of John Leverett, a popular Governor of the State from 1673 to 1678 ; and of his grandson, an excellent President of Harvard College from 1707 to 1724.

A few scythes and palm-leaf hats are manufactured, but the chief business 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 - Leverett
This town was incorporated in 1774. Rev. Henry Williams was installed pastor here in 1784. He died in 1811, and was succeeded by Rev. Joel Wright, in 1812, who continued pastor till 1820; Rev. Joseph Sawyer, the next minister, was settled in 1822. The next was Rev. Jonas Colburn. who was settled in 1824; and was succeeded, in 1832, by Rev. Freegrace Reynolds.

This is principally an agricultural town. In 1837, there were two scythe factories, which manufactured 2,400 scythes, valued at $1,600. Palm-leaf hats manufactured, 30,400; the value of which was $4,590. There are two Congregational churches, one in the north, the other in the south part of the town; there are two postoffices. Population, 902. Distance, 3 miles E. from Sunderland, 10 from Greenfield, and 85 from Boston.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Leverett
Leverett, a post-township of Franklin Co., Massachusetts, about 28 miles N. by E. from Springfield. Population, 948.
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.

Leverett Massachusetts, 1890
Leverett is a mountainous town in the southeastern part of Franklin County, 106 miles west of Boston. The township has the form of a rhombus. Montague lies on the north, Wendell on the northeast angle, Shutesbury on the east, the latter and Amherst on the south, and Sunderland on the west.

The assessed area is 12,999 acres, which includes 7,032 acres of woodland. There is also a considerable area of waste land. The wild cat and wild turkey were found here until a recent period. There are several tracts of level or undulating land in the north of the town, but in other parts such surfaces have only a narrow space along the streams. Yet there are no very high elevations. Among its minerals are found galena, heavy spar, blende and copper pyrites.

Sawmill River, rising in the next town east, flows through the northern part of Leverett, receiving affluents, and pursuing a tortuous course to the Connecticut. It furnishes power for several saw and grist mills. Cranberry River and Plain ... Read MORE...

1895 - Leverett
Lev'erett, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Leverett township, on the New London Northern Railroad, 25 miles N. of Palmer. It has 2 churches. Pop. of the township, 831. The township has manufactures of satinets, fruit-boxes, and water-pails.
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
Leverett, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Leverett township (town ), on the Central Vermont R., 25 miles N. of Palmer. Pop. of the town in 1900, 744. The town has manufactures of fruit-boxes, etc.
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 Leverett:
The Leverett Peace Pagoda:

Start your visit with a peaceful experience at the Leverett Peace Pagoda. This beautiful structure is a symbol of non-violence and is surrounded by lovely grounds. Take a stroll and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Lake Wyola State Park:

If you're into outdoor activities, head to Lake Wyola State Park. Enjoy a day of swimming, fishing, or picnicking by the lake. The park also has hiking trails for those who love a good walk in nature.

The Montague Bookmill:

Just a short drive away, The Montague Bookmill is a unique and charming bookstore housed in a historic gristmill. Browse through a vast selection of new and used books while enjoying the rustic ambiance.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art:

Perfect for families or anyone who appreciates the art of illustration, The Eric Carle Museum showcases the work of beloved children's book authors and illustrators. It's both educational and delightful.

Amherst College:

Explore the... Read MORE...