Add YOUR Family To This Page

flag  History of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA

Journey back in time to Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA

Explore Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

Do You Have Wilbraham Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Wilbraham,  Massachusetts, USA - Wilbraham,  Massachusetts, USA - M. E. Church

Wilbraham, Hampden, MA

About 1675, the people of Springfield, who had come from the Massachusetts Bay settlement in the Boston area to the Connecticut Valley in 1636, bought from the Indians the hilly area to the east and called it the "Outward Commons." Some ten years later, they divided the land among the "landed proprietors" of Springfield but regarded it as common wilderness until 1731 when Nathaniel Hitchcock and his family came to settle on our present Main Street, south of the center village.

By 1741, the population numbered some 30 families, and the area now Wilbraham and Hampden (approximately) was established as the Fourth Precinct of Springfield. wilbraham-ma.gov

Wilbraham includes: Butlerville, East Wilbraham (Ellis Mills), and Glendale.
netronline.com/ mass_lookup.htm



Explore even more about Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA. Keep reading!

Wilbraham Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Wilbraham,  Massachusetts, USA - M. E. Church
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
M. E. Church
Wilbraham,  Massachusetts, USA - Rich Hall, Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass.
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Rich Hall, Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass.
Wilbraham,  Massachusetts, USA - Belli's Restaurant and Night Club
Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Belli's Restaurant and Night Club

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Wilbraham

Buy it NOW!

Massachusetts Gift Idea - Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class - Ceramic Mug 15oz

Our 15oz Ceramic Mug is the perfect blend way to show your Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this mug exudes.

Massachusetts Gift t shirt Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt

Are you looking for a t-shirt that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Look no further! Our Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt is the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this shirt exudes.

Massachusetts Gifts - Cranberries, Baked Beans and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! - Ceramic Mug MA

Our Ceramic Mug, Cranberries, Baked Beans, and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! is more than just a beverage holder; it's a piece of art that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the Bay State. So whether you're sipping your morning coffee, evening tea, or a comforting cup of hot cocoa, you can do it with style and a dash of Massachusetts charm. Plus, it's a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine sharing stories about your favorite Massachusetts memories while enjoying a drink from this delightful mug.

Massachusetts Baby Gift - Bay State Baby: Made in MASS, Loved Worldwide! - Baby Short Sleeve Onesie®

Join the Bay State Baby family and let your baby's style shine with a onesie showing that your baby was made in Mass. and is loved worldwide. Because when it comes to dressing your little bundle of joy, nothing beats the perfect blend of comfort, style, and hometown pride!

Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Celebrate Your Bay State Heritage!

Show off your deep-rooted connection to the Bay State with our Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while tracing family history, this ceramic mug is a tribute to the rich heritage of Massachusetts.

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.

Discover Wilbraham: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add informationAdd History/News/Story
General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

1839 - Wilbraham
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Hampden county. The people of this pleasant town are principally employed in agricultural pursuits and are remarkable for equality of property. This town is watered by the Chickopee and several of its small tributaries. The surface is agreeably diversified by hills and valleys, and the soil is well adapted to agricultural and horticultural pursuits. The products of Wilbraham are numerous; among others, the weight of 2,292 fleeces of wool, sheared in this town in 1837, was 6,110 pounds, valued at $3,669. There are some manufactures in the town of boots, shoes, leather, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, wagons, &c.

The "Wesleyan Academy," in Wilbraham, is an institution of great value, and in high reputation. It has considerable funds, and about 240 scholars attend throughout the year. Scholars are received at this seminary from ten years of age and upwards. The annual cost to a scholar, for board and tuition, is from $80 to $90. This institution was... Read MORE...

1845 - WILBRAHAM. [Pop. 1,864 Inc. 1763.]
Wilbraham was once a part of Springfield, and was called Springfield Mountains till its incorporation.

This town is hounded on the north by the Chicopee, and is watered by several small streams.

It is chiefly an agricultural town.

Distance from Springfield, 10 miles; from Boston, 83.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
1854 - Wilbraham
Wilbraham, a post-village in Hampden co., Massachusetts, about 3 miles from the Western railroad, and 10 miles E. from Spring field. It contains 2 or 3 churches, and the Wesleyan Academy, an institution of high repute, founded in 1824. Population of the township, 2127.
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.
1857 - FIRE AT WILBRAHAM
The newly erected dormitory of Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday evening. It was nearly completed, and was to have been finally taken possession of to-day, (Wednesday.) It was 284 feet in length by 44 feet in width, with a wing running back 140 feet. It cost $70,000, and was insured for $20,000 at one of the Springfield offices. The fire was discovered at about 7½ o'clock, and proceeded from a large pile of shavings stored beneath the main tower, and is supposed to have been the result of spontaneous combustion.
The Pittsfield Sun
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
October 1, 1857
Wilbraham Massachusetts, 1890
Wilbraham occupies a central position in the eastern section of Hampden County, and is 89 miles southwest of Boston. The Boston and Albany Railroad has a station at North Wilbraham in the northeast part of the town. This village and Wilbraham (centre) are the post-offices; and the other villages are Glendale and West Wilbraham.

Ludlow forms the boundary on the north; Palmer and Monson, on the east; Hampden, on the south; and Springfield, on the west. The assessed area is 12,901 acres; and of this 3,403 acres are woodland. The underlying rock is calcareous gneiss and upper conglomerate. A range of hills, entering near the middle of the southern side, extends northeastward past the centre. The local scenery is remarkably beautiful; the land spreading out into winding glades and valleys, or rising into picturesque eminences, from or near which small streamlets flow in various directions through the territory. The Chicopee River washes the entire northern border, and Mill River has its ... Read MORE...

1909 - MODOC EXPRESS WRECKED
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., April 29 - The Modoc Express from the West, on the Boston and Albany, was wrecked today near North Wilbraham, the engine, five coaches and a sleeper going down an embankment. One man is reported kill outright and many injured. A special wrecking train, with doctors and nurses, has been sent from this city. The train left Chicago yesterday on the Lake Shore, passing through Buffalo about midnight and reached Albany about 4 o'clock this morning.
Trenton Evening Times
Trenton, New Jersey
April 29, 1909
Here's a list of places to see and things to do in Wilbraham:
Spec Pond: A serene spot for fishing or just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Pack a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon by the water.

Veterans Memorial Park: A great place to relax, take a walk, or have a family picnic. The park also hosts events and concerts during the warmer months.

Enjoy Local Cuisine: Check out some of the local eateries like La Cucina Di Hampden House for Italian fare or Willy B's for a classic American meal.

The Rice Fruit Farm: If you're there in the fall, this is the place to go for apple picking and enjoying the changing leaves.

Take a Stroll in Fountain Park: A charming park in the heart of Wilbraham. It's a great spot to take a leisurely walk, and there's a playground for the kids.

Shop at Rice's Fruit Farm Country Store: Beyond just apples, they have a country store with fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.

Play Golf at the Country Club of Wilbraham: If you're into golf, this is the place to be. A well-maintained course with... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Wilbraham Ancestry

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

We currently have information about 50 ancestors who were born or died in Wilbraham.

View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)



Ancestors Who Were Married in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Wilbraham.

View Them Now

Genealogy Resources for Wilbraham

Not the place you are looking for? Try again!

Search for YOUR Family by Place

To search for a place, specify place name below. Choose name from the list. Then SEARCH.
*Place Name:


Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Visit Our Store

Ancestry Family Tree Search

Search for YOUR Family by Name

NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.

First Name:
*Last Name:
Gender:
Born (+/- 2 years):
Died (+/- 2 years):
Match all terms exactly:

Updated: 10/7/2023 5:39:16 PM