History of Tolland, Massachusetts, USA

1750 - Tolland is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1810 - Tolland is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Tolland
Tolland, Massachusetts
Hampden county. Tolland is situated on the border of Litchfield county, Connecticut, and is watered by the upper branch of Farmington river. The surface is elevated, but the lands are finely adapted for grazing.

There are manufactures in the town of shovels, spades, forks, hoes, and wooden ware; and here is a large tannery, but the inhabitants are chiefly farmers.

Tolland was incorporated in 1810. Population, 1830, 570. It lies 110 miles W.S.W. from Boston and 20 W. from Springfield.
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 - TOLLAND. [Pop. 627. Inc. 1810.]
This town was taken from Granville, and from Sandisfield, which is now in Berkshire county.

Tolland is watered by the sources of Farmington River.

The land is elevated, and adapted to grazing. Butter and cheese are the chief products, and some agricultural implements are the only manufactures of importance.

Distance from Springfield, 20 miles; from Boston, 110.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Tolland
Tolland, a post-township in Hampden co., Massachusetts, 112 miles W. S. W. from Boston. Population, 594.
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.

Tolland Massachusetts, 1890
Tolland forms the southwest extremity of Hampden County, and is bounded on the north by Otis and Blandford, on the east by Granville, by Sandisfield on the west, and by Colebrook and Hartland, in Connecticut, on the south. Its assessed area is 18,186 acres; and there are 5,614 acres of beech, birch and maple. The whole town is on elevated land, and has few hills of much altitude. In the north is Messenger Pond; in the south, Cranberry; and north of Tolland Centre (the village and post-office) is the larger Noyes Pond, the source of Hubbard's River, which with its affluents drains the eastern section of the town. The rock is of granitic appearance, and the soil is clayey.

The product of the 112 farms in 1885 was valued at $61,752. Maple sugar was made to amount of 49,530 pounds; and of maple molasses, 564 gallons; valued altogether at $4,482. There were two saw mills and a wood-turning mill, employing about 25 men. Some leather and metallic goods were made also. The value of the... Read MORE...

1895 - Tolland
Tolland, a post-hamlet in Tolland township, Hampden co., Mass., 27 miles W. of Springfield. It has a church. Pop. of the township, 452.
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

1906
Tolland, a post-township (town) of Hampden co., Mass., 27 miles W. of Springfield. Pop. in 1900, 275.
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 Tolland:
Granville State Forest: Located just a short drive from Tolland, Granville State Forest offers a range of outdoor activities. You can go hiking on the numerous trails, have a picnic by the pond, or swim in the designated area. The forest is especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Berkshire East Mountain Resort: If you visit Tolland during the winter months, Berkshire East is a fantastic place to go skiing and snowboarding. It also has other attractions like a mountain coaster and zip lines during the summer months.

Tolland State Forest: Right in Tolland, this state forest surrounds Otis Reservoir, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The views of the reservoir, particularly during sunset, are breathtaking.

Tolland Historical Society: Learn about the town's history by visiting the local historical society. They often have exhibits showcasing the area's past, including its agricultural and... Read MORE...