History of Rowe, Massachusetts, USA

Rowe, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town contains the site of old fort Pelham, erected in 1744. The township is elevated, and in some parts mountainous, but the soil is adapted for grazing. Considerable wool is produced, and there are manufactures in the town of woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, and wooden ware.

Rowe is the source of a branch of Deerfield river, and lies 130 miles N.W. from Boston, and 22 W. by N. from Greenfield. Incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 688.

This town was originally composed of several grants, and in 1838, the Legislature annexed to it part of a tract of land called Zoar.

Deerfield River bounds Rowe on the west, and one of its branches, Pelham Brook, waters the town.

When the State found it necessary to establish a chain of forts along the northern frontier, to defend the settlements from the French and Indians, Fort Pelham was established here.

The land is elevated, and some wool is produced, but the inhabitants chiefly depend on agriculture.

Distance from Greenfield, 22 miles, from Boston, 117.

This town was incorporated in 1785. It has an elevated situation, and was originally purchased by a Mr. Jones. In 1838, the legislature annexed a part of an unincorporated tract, called Zoar, to this town. This tract comprised 1,875 acres of land, adjoining the south part of the town, on which were six families. One of the cordon of forts erected about 1744 for a defence against the French and Indians was situated in this town. The ruins of this fortification, called Fort Pelham, are situated south-east of the Congregational church in the center of the town, on Peiham brook, a small stream, being the oniy one passing through the town. Rev. Preserved Smith, the first minister, was settled here in 1787; his successor was Rev. Jonathan Keith, was settled in 1808, and was succeeded by Mr. Smith, who again settled in 1812. His successor was Rev. William D. Stearns, was settled in 1835. Rev. John C. Thompson was settled over the Trinitarian church in 1835. There are four religious societies ...

Rowe, a post-village in Franklin co., Mass., 108 miles N. W. from Boston, contains 8 or 4 churches. Population of the township, 669.

Rowe is an elevated and hilly town in the northwest part of Franklin County, having the Deerfield River as its western and southwestern line. Pelham Brook, with its affluents, drains the entire town, entering the river at the south. Heath forms the eastern boundary; Charlemont and Florida the southern; the latter and Monroe the western; and Whitingham, in Vermont, the northern boundary. The area is about 30 square miles; of which about two thirds are forest, consisting chiefly of maple and beech. The assessed land is 14,650 acres. Pulpit Rock in the west, and Streeter's Hill, eastward, afford fine views; but the greatest elevation is Jilson's Hill, on the northeast border, whose height is 2,109 feet.

Soapstone has been quarried in the town; and the Davis Mines, in the southeast, whose product is sulphate of iron, are now employing about 200 men as miners, teamsters and for other purposes; 30 teams being required to transport the mineral to the Fitchburg Railroad at Charlemont. Zoar ...

Rowe, a post-hamlet in Rowe township, Franklin co., Mass., about 12 miles E. of North Adams. It has 3 churches, and manufactures of satinet, leather, &c. The township is bounded on the W. by the Deerfield River, Pop. of the township, 661.