History of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, USA

1760 - Chesterfield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1762 - Chesterfield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Chesterfield
Chesterfield, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. A township of rough, elevated land, 97 miles W. from Boston and 11 W.N.W. from Northampton; watered by a branch of Westfield river. It has a good water power, 1 woolen mill, 2 tanneries, some curious minerals, and a water course, worn very deep through solid rock. Population, 1837, 1,158. There were sheared in Chesterfield, in 1837, 7,100 sheep, producing 20,800 pounds of wool, valued at $12,480. A noble example.
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 - CHESTERFIELD. [Pop. 1,132. Inc. 1762.]
This town was chiefly granted to soldiers in the Narraganset and Canada wars.

Chesterfield is a mountainous district, and is watered by the north branch of Westfield river.

Its soil is well adapted for grazing, and its hills are covered with valuable sheep.

Beryls, emeralds, and other valuable minerals, are found in this town.

Distance from Northampton, 12 miles; from Boston, 105.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Chesterfield
Chesterfield, a post-township of Hampshire county, Massachusetts, 90 miles W. of Boston, watered by a branch of Westfield river. Population, 1014.
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.

Chesterfield Massachusetts, 1890
Chesterfield is a pleasant town in the northwestern part Hampshire County, about 100 miles west of Boston. It is noted for its great variety of minerals. It is bounded north by Cummington, northeast on a zigzag line by Goshen, east by the latter and Williamsburg, south by Westhampton and Huntington, and west by Worthington.

The nearest railroad stations are at Williamsburg, Goshen and Cummington, each about six miles from the centre of the town. The post-offices are Chesterfield and West Chesterfield, the latter being a considerable village. The population is 698, of whom 211 are voters. They are sheltered by 171 dwelling-houses, and till 110 farms. The largest products of these are from the dairy, the hay-field and the woods; the aggregate farm product being $105,502.

There are 18,250 acres of assessed land, which includes 5,375 acres of woodland. The valuation in 1888 was $293,666; with a tax-rate of $15.50 on $1,000. The town is generally mountainous, the ranges running north ... Read MORE...

1895 - Chesterfield
Chesterfield, a post-hamlet of Hampshire co, Mass., in Chesterfield township, about 25 miles N.N.W. of Spring field. It has a lumber-mill. The township is drained by the Westfield River. Pop. 746.
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
Chesterfield, a post-hamlet of Hampshire co., Mass., in Chesterfield township (town), 25 miles NNW. of Spring field. The town is drained by the Westfield River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 611.
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 things to do in and around Chesterfield:
Chesterfield Gorge:

Start your exploration with a visit to Chesterfield Gorge. The scenic beauty and the sound of rushing water make it a tranquil spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

Chesterfield Historic District:

Take a stroll through the historic district to admire the well-preserved colonial architecture. The town has a quaint New England charm, and the historic buildings tell a story of its past.

Dubuque State Forest:

Nature lovers will enjoy Dubuque State Forest, offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and peaceful surroundings. It's an excellent place to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Littleville Fair:

If you happen to be in Chesterfield during the Littleville Fair, don't miss it! This classic country fair showcases local talents, crafts, and agricultural exhibits.

Fishing at Knightville Dam:

Head to Knightville Dam for a day of fishing. The dam creates a picturesque backdrop for anglers seeking a quiet spot to ... Read MORE...