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flag  History of Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

Journey back in time to Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

(South Wilbraham)

Visit Hampden, Massachusetts, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.

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Hampden, Massachusetts, USA - Hampden, Massachusetts, USA - Main St., Hampden, Mass.

Hampden, Hampden, MA

The "Rattlesnake Incident of 1761" is thought to have occurred on farmland in what is now Hampden on August 7 of that year, when 22-year-old Timothy Merrick was killed by a snakebite while mowing his father's field — an event immortalized by "On Springfield Mountain", among the earliest ballads ever written in North America, and the basis for the modern folk song "Rattlesnake Mountain". wikipedia

Hampden includes: Scantic
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There is MUCH more to discover about Hampden, Massachusetts, USA. Read on!

Hampden Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Hampden, Massachusetts, USA - Main St., Hampden, Mass.
Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

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Main St., Hampden, Mass.
Hampden, Massachusetts, USA - The Dam. Hampden, Mass.
Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

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The Dam. Hampden, Mass.
Hampden, Massachusetts, USA - Lee Tower, Hampden, Mass.
Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

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Lee Tower, Hampden, Mass.

Discover Hampden: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1741 - Hampden / South Wilbraham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
Hampden Massachusetts, 1890
Hampden is a new and thriving agricultural and manufacturing town in the eastern section of Hampden County, bordering on Connecticut, and about 90 miles west by southwest of Boston. The Boston and Albany, the New London and Northern and the Connecticut River railroads pass through, the adjoining towns on the north, east and west. Wilbraham bounds it on the north, Monson on the east, Long-meadow on the west, and the town of Somers, in Connecticut, on the south.

The territory is nearly square; having an assessed area of 11,751 acres. Of this, 5,472 acres are forests, consisting of chestnut, oak and birch, chiefly. The scenery is rather wild, but beautiful. Rattlesnake Hill rises grandly at the Connecticut line to a height of 1,077 feet; and a range of hills extends from this northerly and. medially through the town. Scantic Brook, rising in Wilbraham and Monson, flows through the central village westward through the town, furnishing power at several points on its course. The... Read MORE...

1895 - Hampden
Hampden, formerly South Wil’braham, a post village of Hampden co, Mass., in a £ of the same name, 10 or 11 miles E.S.E. of Springfield. It has 3 churches and 3 woollen-factories.
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
1938 - "Long Island Express" - HURRICANE, FLOODS SWEEP NEW ENGLAND. 296 WERE KILLED IN STORM ALONG ATLANTIC COAST; PROPERTY DAMAGE ENORMOUS.
...At Hampden, Mass., 200 inmates of the county jail rioted when water rose in the streets. Riot squads from Springfield subdued them...

Dunkirk Evening Observer
New York
September 22, 1938

The "Long Island Express" was first detected over the tropical Atlantic on September 13, although it may have formed a few days earlier. Moving generally west-northwestward, it passed to the north of Puerto Rico on the 18th and 19th, likely as a category 5 hurricane. It turned northward on September 20 and by the morning of the 21st it was 100 to 150 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. At that point, the hurricane accelerated to a forward motion of 60 to 70 mph, making landfall over Long Island and Connecticut that afternoon as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm became extratropical after landfall and dissipated over southeastern Canada on September 22.

Blue Hill Observatory, Massachusetts measured sustained winds of 121 mph with gusts to 183 mph (likely influenced by terrain). ... Read MORE...

2023 - Hampden, Massachusetts might be a small town, but it's packed with charm and a variety of things to see and do. Here's a list to get you started on exploring this quaint New England gem:
Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary:
Take a stroll through this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. It's a peaceful place to connect with nature, featuring walking trails, ponds, and diverse ecosystems. Perfect for birdwatching and photography.

Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary:
Another natural gem, this sanctuary is managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Enjoy hiking trails, scenic views, and the chance to spot local wildlife.

Brickyard Brook Conservation Area:
If you're a fan of hiking and outdoor adventures, check out this conservation area. Trails wind through forests and along the Brickyard Brook, offering a serene escape.

Hampden Park:
Enjoy some outdoor recreation at Hampden Park. Whether you want to have a picnic, play sports, or just take a leisurely walk, the park provides a green oasis for residents and visitors alike.

Local Farms:
Explore local farms such as Mountain View Farm and Scantic Valley Farm. Depending on the season, you might be able to pick your own... Read MORE...

Discover MY Roots: Hampden Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

We currently have information about 8 ancestors who were born or died in Hampden.

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Genealogy Resources for Hampden

Our Hampden Gift Ideas

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Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 10/7/2023 5:29:55 PM