History of Leyden, Massachusetts, USA

Leyden was first settled in 1737 as part of "Fall Town", which also included Bernardston and Colrain.

wikipedia.org

1809 - The town of Leyden is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Leyden
Leyden, Massachusetts
Franklin county. Leyden is watered by Green river and several small streams. It is 100 miles N.W. from Boston and 7 N. by W. from Greenfield. It is a mountainous township, more fit for grazing than tillage. The number of sheep in the town, in 1837, was 3,142; their fleeces weighed 9,326 pounds; value of the wool, $5,129. The town was incorporated in 1809. Population, 1837, 656.

There is a romantic spot in Leyden, called "The Glen," a curious place, worth looking at.
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 - LEYDEN. [Pop. 632. Inc. 1809.]
Leyden was taken from Bernardston.

It was named in honor of that town in Holland, where the Pilgrim Fathers resided during their exile from England, before they sailed for Plymouth.

Green River, a branch of the Deerfield, separates Leyden from Coleraine. The Glen, where a branch of Green River narrows and passes between high rocks, is very beautiful.

Some wool is raised here, but the inhabitants are chiefly fanners.

Distance from Greenfield, 7 miles; from Boston, 100.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Leyden
This town was incorporated in 1809. It was formerly a part of Coleraine, and is now divided from that town by Green river, which, passing through Greenfleld, passes into Deerfield river. There is one church in the town, which is situated in the central part, and belongs to the Baptists, the only regular denomination in the town. Agricultural pursuits is the business of the inhabitants. In 1837, there were 1,140 Saxony, 1,733 merino, and 269 other kinds of sheep in this town; Saxony wool produced, 3,320 lbs.; merino, 5,199 lbs.; other kinds, 807 lbs.; average weight of fleece, 3 lbs.; value of wool, $5,129.30; capital invested, $7,855. Population, 656. Distance, 7 miles from Greenfield, and 100 from Boston. The “Glen,” a narrow rocky pass, through which a branch of the Green river passes, is much admired for its wild and pieturesque scenery.

William Dorrell, the founder of the sect of Dorrellites, it is believed is still living in the north west corner of this town. He is a native... Read MORE...

1854 - Leyden
Leyden, a post-township of Franklin co., Massachusetts, bordering on Vermont, about 44 miles N. from Springfield. Pop., 716.
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.

Leyden Massachusetts, 1890
Leyden is a small, mountainous farming town situated midway of the northern side of Franklin County, having the State of Vermont on the north, Bernardston on the east, Greenfield on the south, and Colrain on the west. The distance from Boston is about 115 miles northwesterly. The assessed area is 9,500 acres, which includes 2,010 acres of woodland. The villages and post-offices are Leyden (centre) and West Leyden. The nearest railway stations are Bernardston and Greenfield, in the towns adjoining.

The chief elevations are Daniel's Peak in the northeast section and Ball Mountain in the southern part. At Beaver Meadow in the northeast part, is a small settlement about a saw and grist mill on Shattuck Brook. Budington Creek flows from the northern part through the midst of the town southward; and Green River marks, nearly, the boundary line with Colrain on the west. On the latter stream and its affluents are three or more saw mills. On a tributary stream of this river, in the southern ... Read MORE...

1895 - Leyden
Leyden, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Leyden township, 9 miles N. of Greenfield. It has a church. Pop. of the township, 524.
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
Leyden, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Leyden township (town), 9 miles N. of Greenfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 379.
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

2023 - Whether you're into history, nature, or just looking for a quiet retreat, Leyden has something to offer. Here's a list to get you started:
Historic Leyden Town Hall:

Start your journey with a visit to the Historic Leyden Town Hall. It's a classic New England town hall with a charming architecture that reflects the region's history.

Bartons Cove:

If you're a nature enthusiast, head to Bartons Cove. It's a peaceful spot for fishing, picnicking, or just enjoying the serene beauty of the Connecticut River.

Greenfield Farmers Market:

A short drive away, Greenfield hosts a vibrant farmers market. It's a great place to sample local produce, crafts, and maybe even strike up a conversation with some friendly locals.

Poet's Seat Tower:

Drive up to the Poet's Seat Tower in nearby Greenfield. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially during fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold.

Historic Deerfield:

Just a bit further south, Historic Deerfield is a well-preserved 18th-century New England village. Explore the colonial architecture and learn about life in early America.

Hike... Read MORE...