History of Sunderland, Massachusetts, USA

1673 - Sunderland is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1718 - The town of Sunderland is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Sunderland
Sunderland, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town lies on the east side of Connecticut river, 90 miles W. from Boston, and 9 S. by E. from Greenfield. It was taken from Hadley in 1718. Population, 1837, 729. The settlement in this town is principally on a street running parallel with the river. Between the street and the river is a tract of fertile meadow; on the other side of the village is a more elevated plain, and back of that, Mount Toby rears its lofty front. This mountain is composed of pudding stone, and the small stones within it are round and smooth as though washed by the ocean; they are of verious sizes, and of every color. On one side is a cavern 60 feet deep; and many other ruptures seem to indicate some great change in this mountain since its formation. This village is very pleasant, and the scenery around it is of a fascinating character. The people here are good farmers, and are noted for their good schools and philanthropic disposition.
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 - SUNDERLAND. [Pop. 719. Inc. 1714.]
This town was once a part of Hadley, and contained a part of Montague and the whole of Leverett.

Sunderland lies on the eastern bank of the Connecticut, over which is a bridge eight hundred and fifty-eight feet long.
East of the village, and partly in Leverett, is Mount Toby, an elevation remarkable for its geological structure. The scenery of the town is generally very picturesque.

Corn-brooms, to a considerable amount, are made here, but the inhabitants are chiefly farmers.

Distance from Greenfield, 10 miles ; from Boston, 85.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Sunderland
This town was originally a part of Hadley. It was incorporated as a town in 1718, and the Rev. Josiah Willard was ordained the first minister the same year. Mr. Willard died in 1790, aged ninety years. The following ministers have succeeded him, viz. William Rand, who settled here in 1724; Joseph Ashley, in 1747; Asa Lyon, in 1792; David H. Williston, in 1804; James Taylor, in 1807; Henry B. Holmes, in 1833.

The central village of Sunderland is pleasantly situated on a fine interval of land on the east bank of Connecticut river. It coonsists of about fifty dwelling houses and a Congregational church. The village street is about three fourths of a mile in extent. The North village is about three miles from the center, and contains about fifteen or twenty dwellings, and a Baptist church. Plum Tree village is three miles south, and is about the size of the north village. At the central village there is a bridge over the Connecticut, 858 feet in length; it was built in 1832, at an... Read MORE...

1854 - Sunderland
Sunderland, a post-village in Franklin co., Massachusetts, on the E. side of Connecticut river, 82 miles W. by N. from Boston. A bridge crosses the river at this place. Population of the township, 792.
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.

1868 - Hon. Horace Greeley's $200 premium for the township of more than fifty dwellings
which should have at least two good grapevines planted on each homestead, has been won by Sunderland, Mass., and a second premium of $100 by Vineland, N. J.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 13, 1868

Sunderland Massachusetts, 1890
Sunderland, is a pleasant rural town of 700 inhabitants on the east bank of the Connecticut River, and in the southern part of Franklin County, about 107 miles west of Boston. It is bounded on the north by Montague, east by Leverett, south by Amherst and Hadley, and west by Deerfield.

Its length is 6 miles and width 3 miles; the assessed area being 8,184 acres. The inhabited portions are the southwest and a small area in the north. In the last, near the Connecticut, is the village of North Sunderland; while Sunderland (centre), which is the post-office, lies on the river midway of the town. An iron bridge 900 feet in length connects it with South Deerfield, on the Connecticut River Railroad. The New London and Northern Railroad crosses the northeast angle of the town, having stations in Leverett, Amherst and Montague; connecting in the latter with the Fitchburg Railroad.

The formative rock is lower sandstone and dolerite. From the rich intervale along the margin of the river the ... Read MORE...

1906
Sunderland, a post-village in Sunderland township (town), Franklin oo., Mass., on the E. bank of the Connecticut River, about 26 miles N. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 771.
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

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in and around Sunderland:
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation:

Start your adventure with a visit to Mount Sugarloaf. The view from the summit is breathtaking, especially during the fall when the foliage is vibrant.

Sunderland Farm Collaborative:

If you're interested in sustainable agriculture, check out the Sunderland Farm Collaborative. It's a great place to learn about local farming practices and maybe even pick up some fresh produce.

Buttonball Tree:

Marvel at the Buttonball Tree, a historic landmark and one of the oldest and largest sycamore trees in Massachusetts. It's a unique sight and a great photo opportunity.

Amherst College Museum of Natural History:

Just a short drive away, the Amherst College Museum of Natural History is worth a visit. Explore exhibits on anthropology, paleontology, and geology.

Historic Deerfield:

Take a trip to nearby Historic Deerfield, a well-preserved 18th-century New England village. Wander through beautifully restored homes and experience life as it ... Read MORE...