History of Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

1741 - Hampden / South Wilbraham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1854 - South Wilbraham
South Wilbbaham, a post-village of Hampden co., Massachusetts, has 2 churches.
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.

1878 - Hampden is incorporated

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

1916
Hampden, formerly South Wilbraham, a post- village of Hampden co., Mass., in Hampden township (town), 10 miles ESE. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 782.
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

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...

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...