History of Orange, Massachusetts, USA

1746 - Orange is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1783 - The town of Orange is incorporated

1839 - Orange
Orange, Massachusetts
Franklin county. Orange lies 72 miles W. from Boston and 20 E. from Greenfield. Incorporated, 1783. Population, 1830, 880; 1837, 1,543. The manufactures of the town consist of iron castings, boots, shoe pegs, chairs and cabinet ware: annual amount about $40,000. Miller's river affords the town a good water power, and Tully hill a fine prospect. The soil is uneven, and better fitted for grazing than tillage. There is a pleasant village in the town, and a good fish pond.
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 - ORANGE. [Pop. 1,501. Inc. 1783.]
Orange was originally taken from Warwick, from a tract called Ervingshire, and from Athol and Royalston, in Worcester county. The surface of the town is uneven, and fitted for grazing.

The north part of New Salem has lately been added to Orange, so that Miller's River, that used to bound the town at the south, now runs nearly through its centre, aflording good water privileges.

The manufactures are various, but not to a great amount; agriculture is the chief business of the inhabitants.

Distance from Greenfield, 20 miles ; from Boston, 75.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Orange
This town was incorporated in 1783. The face of the township is generally rough and uneven. Miller’s river, which now passes through the central part of the town, affords valuable water privileges. Mr. Emerson Foster and Mr. Chandler are the only ministers who have been settled over the old church in. Orange, now in the northern section of the town. Mr. Foster was minister here about 1798. Mr. Chandler was in the place but a short time. In 1837 an ecclesiastical council convened and organized a church, called the "Evangelical Church of Orange."

The above is a southern view of the flourishing little village of Orange, now in the central part of the town. Miller's river, which passes through the place, was formerly the southern boundary of Orange. The northern part of New Salem has been quite recently annexed to this town, so that this village is now in the central part. The forests have been recently cleared away in the immediate vicinity, and the place presents the appearance of a... Read MORE...

1854 - Orange
Orange, a post- village in Franklin co., Massachusetts, on the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, 70 miles N. W. from Boston. Population of the township, 1701.
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.

Orange Massachusetts, 1890
Orange is a sprightly manufacturing and farming town occupying the northeastern corner of Franklin County. It is 81 miles northwest of Boston on the Fitchburg Railroad, which follows Miller's River across the town, and has a station at Orange (centre) and one at Wendell, near West Orange. The township is very irregular, its greatest length being north and south. The assessed area is 20,261 acres. Warwick hounds it on the northwest, Royalston on the northeast, Athol on the east arid southeast, New Salem on the south, and Wendell and Erving on the west.

Tully River and Cheney, Orcutt's and Moss brooks, affluents of Miller's River, drain the north part of the town. North Pond, a fine sheet of water in the southern part of the town, is the source of the middle branch of Swift River. The basal rock is calcareous gneiss and granite, which often rises into bold and picturesque elevations, covered with soil well adapted to the growth of timber and for pasturage. Tully Mountain, in the... Read MORE...

1895 - Orange
Orange, a post-village in Orange township, Franklin co., Mass., on Miller's River, and on the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, 37 miles W. of Fitchburg, and 19 miles E. of Greenfield. It has a national bank, a savings-bank, several churches, a newspaper office, and manufactures of chairs, sewing-machines, furniture, machinery, water wheels, &c. Pop. of township in 1880, 3169; in 1890, 4568.
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

1906
Orange, a banking post-village in Orange township (town), Franklin co., Mass., on the Miller's River and on the Boston and Maine R., 37 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has manufactures of sewing-machines, machinery, automobiles, cereals, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5520.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

2023 - Orange, Massachusetts may not be the biggest town, but it's got its charm and a variety of things to see and do. Here's a list to get you started:
Tully Lake: If you're into outdoor activities, Tully Lake is a great spot. You can go hiking, fishing, or just enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake. The scenery is fantastic, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.

Orange Historical Society Museum: Explore the local history at the Orange Historical Society Museum. You'll get a glimpse into the town's past, with artifacts and exhibits that showcase its development over the years.

Quabbin Reservoir: Take a short drive to Quabbin Reservoir. It's not only a vital water source but also a beautiful area for hiking and bird-watching. The vastness of the reservoir is awe-inspiring.

Cultural Attractions: Check out any local events or performances happening at places like the Orange Innovation Center. Sometimes, small towns surprise you with vibrant cultural scenes.

Doane's Falls: A bit outside of Orange, but worth the drive. Doane's Falls is a scenic spot with waterfalls and hiking trails. It's an excellent... Read MORE...