History of Middlefield, Massachusetts, USA

1780 - Middlefield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1783 - Middlefield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Middlefield
Middlefield, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. This is an elevated agricultural township, watered by a branch of Westfield river. It lies 110 miles W. from Boston, 24 W. from Northampton, and 17 S.E. from Pittsfield. Incorporated, 1783. Population, 1837, 710. There are 2 woolen mills in the town and 2 tanneries. Annual value of goods manufactured, about $75,000.—Among the productions of the soil, there were, in 1837, 9,724 fleeces of saxony wool, which weighed 26,741 pounds; value, $17,382.
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 - MIDDLEFIELD. [Pop. 1,717. Inc. 1783.]
Middlefield was composed of portions of the five towns that surround it, viz., Chester, Becket, Washington, Peru and Worthington.

Middlefield is situated on the declivity of the Hoosaek or Green Mountain range, and lies between two branches of Westfield river.

The town has a fine breed of sheep, and manufactures woollen cloth to a considerable amount.

Distance from Northampton, 24 miles; from Boston, 110.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Middlefield
Middlefield, a post-township of Hampshire co., Massachusetts, on the Western railroad, about 30 miles N. W. from Springfield. Population, 737.
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.

1873 - COLLISION OF FREIGHT TRAINS ON A BRIDGE IN MASSACHUSETTS - THREE LIVES LOST AND SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED.
From the Springfield (Mass.) Union. Jan. 25.
A most disastrous accident occurred on the Boston and Albany Railroad last evening, a short distance beyond Middlefield. The first of the afternoon freights from Pittsfield, which was several hours late, was passing over the second bridge west of Middlefield station when a brake-beam broke, and falling down, threw three cars of the train off the track upon the bridge, breaking the rods and smashing the girders of the bridge, and of course greatly weakening the structure. Almost at the same instant, the second freight west from this city, drawn by the locomotive New York, and pushed up the grade (as has been the custom lately) by another engine from behind, came upon the bridge.

The additional weight of this train, and its collision with the cars of the other train, which had been thrown off the track, caused the bridge to crumble like so much paper, and the New York dropped instantly a distance of twenty-five feet into the stream... Read MORE...

Middlefield Massachusetts, 1890
Middlefield is a mountainous town forming the southwest corner of Hampshire County. Middlefield station, in the southern extremity of the town, on the Boston and Albany Railroad, is 131 miles from Boston. The town is bounded on the north by Peru and Worthington, on the east by the latter, on the southeast by Chester and Becket, and on the west by the latter and Washington. The assessed area is 14,165 acres, which is some 2,000 acres less than the actual extent. Included in these figures are 4,239 acres of woodland.

The land is broken, and the scenery bold and picturesque. The hills, though not lofty, are extensive, their long ridges having a northwest and southeast trend. The highest point in town is a broad plateau on which are situated the Highland Agricultural Grounds. It is 1,200 feet above the level of the sea; and the grand and beautiful views spread out on every side are an inspiration to the crowds which attend the annual exhibitions. The geological formation is calcareous... Read MORE...

1895 - Middlefield
Middlefield, a post-township of Hampshire co., Mass., on the Boston & Albany Railroad. Middlefield Station is 33 miles W.N.W. of Springfield. The township has some manufactures of broadcloth, and 2 churches. Pop. 603.
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

1900 - MIDDLEFIELD. A CHILD DIES FROM BURNS.
Ralph Eugene Ferris, the youngest child of Charles H. Ferris, died on Saturday from the effect of burns. Mrs. Ferris was getting ready to mop the floor and turned to get some cold water to add to the boiling water in the mop pail. The little boy, two years and eight months old, was drawing a toy wagon and walking backward to see the wagon move. Backing against the pail he sat down in the scalding hot water, and was so terribly burned that he died in 16 hours. The funeral was held Monday, and the burial was in Becket, from which town the Ferris family moved into Middlefield more than 30 years ago.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
January 25, 1900

1906
Middlefield, a post-township (town) of Hampshire co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., 33 miles WSW. of Springfield. The town has manufactures of paper. Pop. in 1900, 410.
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 Middlefield:
Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest:
Explore the Becket Land Trust Historic Quarry and Forest, which features scenic trails, historic quarry sites, and a beautiful forest. It's a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.

Horseback Riding at Berkshire Horseback Adventures:
If you love horses and outdoor activities, consider going for a horseback riding adventure at Berkshire Horseback Adventures. They offer guided rides through picturesque landscapes.

Chester-Blandford State Forest:
Head to Chester-Blandford State Forest for more outdoor adventures. This state forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. It's a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival:
Check out the world-renowned Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. This historic site is known for its dance performances, workshops, and beautiful grounds. It's a unique cultural experience.

Otis Ridge Ski Area:
If you're visiting during the winter... Read MORE...