History of Blandford, Massachusetts, USA

1735 - Blandford is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1741 - Blandford is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Blandford
Blandford, Massachusetts
Hampden county. Branches of Westfield river rise in this town and give it a good water power. Blandford was incorporated in 1741. It was originally settled by a company from the north of Ireland. It lies 114 miles W. by S. from Boston and 15 W. by N. from Springfield. Population, 1837, 1,443. The manufactures of the place consist of woolen cloth, paper and leather. Annual amount, $50,500. The agricultural products sent to market in 1836, amounted to $22,340. There were in the town 1,535 cows and 1,822 merino sheep.
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 - BLANDFORD. [Pop. 1,427. Inc. 1741.]
This town was first settled by Protestant emigrants from the north of Ireland.

The town lies on the eastern declivity of the Green Mountains, and is watered by small branches of Westfield River.

Some woollen cloth and paper are manufactured, but the dairy occupies the chief attention of the inhabitants.

Distance from Springfield, 15 miles; from Boston, 114.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Blandford
This town was incorporated in 1741. The inhabitants to a great extent are descended from a company of emigrants, of the Presbyterian denomination, from the north of Ireland, by whom this town was originally settled. The Rev. Mr. McClenathan appears to have been the first minister; it is supposed that he was from Ireland. Joseph Patrick and James Morton appear to have been the next in order, Joseph Badger and Jonathan Keep the next. Mr. Badger was for three years a soldier in the revolutionary war. Rev. Dorus Clark was settled here in 1823, he resigned in 1835; he was succeeded by Rev. Charles J. Hinsdale, in 1836.

This township is situated principally upon the eastern side of a range of the Green mountains. In this town commences the ridge of rocky hills which extend to Pittsfield, in Berkshire county. In 1837, there were in this town 1 woollen mill, with 2 sets of machinery; 13,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $18,000; 1 paper mill, which manufactured 60 tons of... Read MORE...

1854 - Blandford
Blanford, a post-township of Hampden county, Massachusetts, 15 miles W. by N. of Springfield, is intersected by branches of Westfield river, and has excellent water- power. Population, 1418.
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.

Blandford Massachusetts, 1890
Blandford is a large and geologically interesting town in the westerly part of Hampden County. In form it is nearly square, with an area of 30,457 acres, beside highways and water surfaces. There are 9,975 acres of woodland. Blandford is bounded by Chester and Huntington on the north, Russell on the east, Granville and Tolland on the south, and Otis and Becket on the west. The nearest railroad station is at the northeast and just across the line, at Huntington, on the Boston and Albany Railroad, 119 miles from Boston.

Dug Hill, a little north of the centre of the town, rises to the height of 1,622 feet, and Jackson's Hill, in the southwest, to 1,717 feet above the level of the sea. Other prominent elevations are Green Mountain in the north (at the base of which there is a sulphur spring), Tarrot Hill in the east, and Beach Hill in the south. In the northwest corner of the town, a singular depression in an elevated tract has the appearance of having been a volcanic crater. The town... Read MORE...

1895 - Blandford
Bland'ford, or Blam'ford, a post-township of Hampden co, Mass., about 20 miles W. by N. of Springfield. Pop. 964. It contains a hamlet called Blandford Centre, which has 2 churches.
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
Blandford, or Blanford, a post-township (town) of Hampden co., Muss., about 20 miles W. by N. of Spring field. Pop. in 1900, 836.
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

Here's a list of places to see and activities to enjoy in and around Blandford:
Blandford Ski Area:

If you're visiting in the winter, Blandford Ski Area is a must. It's a great spot for skiing and snowboarding. The slopes cater to various skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.

Otis Ridge Ski Area:

Just a short drive away, Otis Ridge Ski Area offers additional winter sports options, including skiing and snowboarding. The scenic views from the slopes add an extra layer of enjoyment to your winter adventure.

Chester-Blandford State Forest:

Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of Chester-Blandford State Forest. It's a great place for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. The trails vary in difficulty, so you can choose one that suits your preferences.

Littleville Fair:

If you're in town during late summer, don't miss the Littleville Fair. This charming local fair features agricultural exhibits, live music, a carnival, and a classic New England atmosphere.

Hollow Brook Golf Club:

Golf enthusiasts... Read MORE...