History of Southwick, Massachusetts, USA

1770 - Southwick is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Southwick
Southwick, Massachusetts
Hampden county. This town is bounded S. by the state of Connecticut, and is 100 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 10 W.S.W. from Springfield. Incorporated, 1779. Population, 1837, 1,291. It is watered by a considerable stream, and several ponds in the town supply water for the Farmington canal, which passes through Southwick. The manufactures consist of gunpowder, leather, and distilled spirits: annual value, about $70,000. The surface of the town is elevated but the soil is generally good, particularly for grazing. The value of wool sheared in 1837, was $2,125.
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 - SOUTHWICK. [Pop. 1,214. Inc. 1779.]
Southwick was once a part of Westfield.

A portion of this town, about two miles square, projects into Connecticut, and breaks the regular course of the boundary line. The whole line once was supposed to be as far south as this projection extends; but when the true line was drawn, the inhabitants on this tract would not submit, as the rest did, to the government of Connecticut, and that State finally left it to Massachusetts in the year 1800.

Southwick is watered by a small branch of Westfield River, and by some fine ponds, which feed the Farmington Canal as it passes through the town.

Most of the people are farmers, but some gunpowder, cigars and whips are manufactured here.

Distance from Springfield, 11 miles ; from Boston, 103.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Southwick
Southwick, a post-township in Hampden co., Massachusetts, 100 miles W. by S. from Boston. Population, 1120.
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.

1872 - OLD APPLE TREES. - The New England Homestead says:
An old apple tree, more than a hundred years old, is standing on the farm of L. A. Lamson, Southwick, which produced apples for more than seven barrels of cider, last year. This tree is fifteen feet and two inches in circumference at the butt, and measures around the outer edge of the limbs eleven rods. It is healthy, and in appearance is good for many years to come. Mr. Lamson reports and old tree that stood on this farm a few years ago, from which apples enough were produced to make thirty bushels after they were dried. As it takes three bushels of green apples to make one of dry, it must have produced ninety bushels at one bearing.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 20, 1872

Southwick Massachusetts, 1890
Southwick is situated in the southwesterly section of Hampden County, 16 miles southwest of Springfield, and 115 miles from Boston. It has 252 dwelling-houses and 982 inhabitants. By an error in the survey, a section of the town about 2 miles square projects into Connecticut. Prior to 1800 the jurisdiction was a subject of controversy between the two States. Suffield bounds this tract on the east and Granby on the south and west. The main portion of the town is bounded on the north by Westfield, on the east by Agawam, and on the west by Granville. The assessed area is 17,818 acres; the forests occupying 4,869 acres.

A beautiful sheet of water called "Congamuck Pond," containing nearly 600 acres, lies on the eastern line of the projection. The surface of this town is elevated and of varied aspect. A long hill occupies the entire eastern line with Agawam, with a depression at the middle allowing the passage of a road. On the western line also is a succession of hills, of which Sodom... Read MORE...

1906
Southwick, a post-village in Southwick township (town), Hampden co., Mass., on the Now York, New Haven and Hartford R., 21} miles S. by W. of Northampton. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1040.
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 Southwick:
Congamond Lakes: Start your visit with a relaxing time at Congamond Lakes. This is a beautiful spot for boating, fishing, or just enjoying a peaceful lakeside stroll. The twin lakes, North Pond and South Pond, are connected and offer picturesque views.

The Dam Café: After some time by the lakes, head over to The Dam Café. It's a cozy spot with a nice atmosphere and good food. Whether you're craving breakfast or a hearty sandwich, this place has you covered.

Southwick's Zoo: Just a short drive away in Mendon, Southwick's Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. It's a privately owned zoo with a diverse range of animals and attractions, including a petting zoo and a sky ride for a unique view of the exhibits.

Railroad Museum of New England: If you're a history buff or just curious about the region's past, the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut, is worth a visit. You can explore vintage trains, learn about the history of railroads, and maybe even catch... Read MORE...