History of Cummington, Massachusetts, USA

1762 - Cummington is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1779 - Cummington is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Cummington
Cummington, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. Located 110 miles W. from Boston and 20 W.N.W. from Northampton. Incorporated, 1779. Population, 1837, 1,204. In this town are good mill seats on Westfield river. It is a mountainous township but excellent for grazing. It produced, in 1837, 12,486 pounds of merino wool, the weight of 4,162 fleeces, valued at $7,492. The manufactures of Cummington consist of cotton and woolen goods, leather, palm-leaf hats, and scythe snaiths. Total value, in one year, $98,000. Iron ore and soapstone.
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 - CUMMINGTON. [Pop. 1,237. Inc. 1779.]
This town was named after Col. John Cummings, of Concord, who bought it of the General Court in 1762. It originally included Plainfield.

A branch of Westfield river passes through the town, affording excellent water-power for mills and factories.

The chief manufactures are woollen and cotton goods, and leather. Some attention is paid to the rearing of a fine quality of sheep, the land being elevated, and excellent for grazing.

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

1854 - Cummington
Cummington, a post- township of Hampshire county, Massachusetts, 90 miles W. by N. from Boston, intersected by Westfield river. Population, 1172.
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.

1858 - FIRE IN CUMMINGTON.
The house of Mr. Jesse Reed on Cummington Hill was burned to the ground on Tuesday morning. The fire was discovered at about three o'clock breaking out near the chimney, from which it is supposed to have caught. The house was a fine one, built of stone, and just refitted throughout, preparatory to the approaching marriage of a son of Mr. Reed. Loss $15,000, insured for $600, at the Hampden office in Springfield.
The Berkshire County Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
May 21, 1858

1859
CUMMINGTON, a township of Hampshire co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 111 m. W of Boston. It has an uneven surface, but produces good pasturage. It is watered by Westfield river, which affords good water-power. Pop. in 1840, 1,237. It contains a flourishing village of the same name situated on Westfield river, 116 m. W of Boston.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

February 8, 1861 - The temperature in West Cummington MA plummeted 80 degrees to -32 degrees between Feb. 7th and 8th.

The Weather Channel

1868 - Cummington Fair
The Cummington Fair was established in 1868.

Cummington Massachusetts, 1890
Cummington is a farming and grazing town lying among the Green Mountains, in the northwestern part of Hampshire County, about 110 miles west of Boston. It is nearly central in a large area between the several railroad lines; the Hinsdale station on the Boston and Albany Railroad, about 15 miles distant, being the nearest. It is bounded on the north by Plainfield and Ashfield, east by Goshen, south by Chesterfield and Worthington, and west by Peru and Windsor. The area is nearly 23 square miles, the assessed land being 13,600 acres.

The geological formation is calciferous mica-schist and the Quebec group. Cummingtonite, a variety of hornblende, is found here in mica-slate; rhodonite, or manganese spar, in masses; and white pyrites and garnets. Parallel mountainous ridges run southeasterly through the town; and through the intervening valleys flow the Westfield River and parallel tributaries that enter it when it has taken a southward turn. Swift River comes down from the north and... Read MORE...

1895 - Cummington
Cum’mington, a post-town of Hampshire co., Mass, on Westfield River, 19 miles N.W. of Northampton. It has 3 churches. Pop. 787. This is the native place of William Cullen Bryant.
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
Cammington, a post-township (town) of Hampshire co., Mass., on the Westfield River, 19 miles NW. of Northampton. Pop. in 1900, 748. This is the birthplace of William Cullen Bryant.
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 Cummington:
The Old Creamery Co-op: Start your visit with a stop at The Old Creamery Co-op. It's not just a store; it's a community hub offering local goods, delicious treats, and a warm atmosphere.

Cummington Fairgrounds: If you're lucky enough to visit during the Cummington Fair, you're in for a treat. It's one of the oldest fairs in the country, featuring agricultural exhibits, live music, and classic fair activities.

William Cullen Bryant Homestead: Explore the homestead of the famous poet and editor William Cullen Bryant. The property includes his house, a beautiful barn, and walking trails. It's a serene spot steeped in history.

Bryant Homestead Farmers Market: Check out the local farmers market if you're around during the growing season. You'll find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a chance to connect with the local community.

Bear Swamp Trails: Nature lovers, rejoice! Bear Swamp Trails offer hiking opportunities with scenic views. The trails vary in difficulty, so whether... Read MORE...