History of Pelham, Massachusetts, USA

1738 - Pelham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1743 - Pelham is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Pelham
Pelham, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. This town lies 80 miles W. from Boston and 13 N.E. from Northampton. It was incorporated in 1742. Population, in 1837, 957. The surface of the town is elevated and uneven; the soil is hard but productive. Swift and Fort rivers afford it mill privileges. Some palm-leaf hats are made here.

Some years ago the notorious Stephen Burroughs profaned the christian sabbath, by imposing himself on the innocent people of Pelham as a minister of the gospel.
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 - PELHAM. [Pop. 956. Inc. 1743.]
Pelham, when a part of the Equivalent Lands granted to Connecticut, was sold by that State to Col. Stoddard, of Northampton, and called after him, Stoddard's Town.

Part of Prescott was taken from this town in 1822,

The soil is good, but elevated and uneven.

A branch of Swift River waters the eastern part of Pelham, but palm-leaf hats are the only considerable article of manufacture.

Distance from Northampton, 13 miles; from Boston, 80.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Pelham
Pelham, a post- township in Hampshire co., Mass., 77 miles W. from Boston. Pop., 983.
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.

1869 - A stone at Methuen, Mass., is situated in two States, Massachusetts and New Hampshire,
three counties, Rockingham and Hillsborough, N. H., and Essex, Mass., and three towns, Salem and Pelham, N. H., and Methuen, Mass.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 6, 1869

Pelham Massachusetts, 1890
Pelham is a sparsely inhabited town lying in the northeast part of Hampshire County about 76 miles west of Boston. The New London and Northern Railroad, which passes through the centres of the two towns adjoining on the south and west, furnishes the nearest railroad connection. The boundaries of this town are Shutesbury on the north, Prescott on the east, Enfield and Belchertown on the south, and Amherst on the west. The assessed area is 14,156 acres. There are upwards of 5,000 acres of woodland, containing most of the New England varieties of trees. The whole township has an unusual elevation; and there are ranges of forest-crowned hills in the east and west, while in the south Mount Lincoln rises to a height of 1,246 feet. Pine Hill rises near the centre of the town. The geological structure is sienite;: and asbestos, molybdenite, quartz crystals and green hornstone are found. A huge bowlder called "The Northerner" has many visitors. Swift River forms the eastern line, and midway... Read MORE...

1895 - Pelham
Pelham, a post-hamlet and township of Hampshire co., Mass., 22 miles N.N.E. of Springfield. It has a church, a granite-quarry, and mineral springs. Pop. of township, 633.
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

1906
Pelham, a post-village and township (town) of Hampshire co., Mass., 22 miles NNE. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 875.
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 Pelham:
Amethyst Brook Conservation Area:

Take a leisurely hike through the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area. The trails wind through wooded areas, offering a serene escape into nature.

Pelham Historical Society:

Visit the Pelham Historical Society to learn about the town's rich history. Explore exhibits, artifacts, and perhaps gain insights from locals who love sharing stories about Pelham's past.

Metacomet-Monadnock Trail:

If you're a hiking enthusiast, tackle a portion of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. The trail offers stunning views and a chance to connect with the outdoors.

Pelham Town Hall:

Check out Pelham Town Hall, a classic New England structure. It's not just about governance; sometimes, there are community events or art exhibitions taking place.

Dining at The Blue Marble:

Enjoy a meal at The Blue Marble, a local restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. It's a great place to connect with locals and savor some regional... Read MORE...