History of Plainfield, Massachusetts, USA

1770 - Plainfield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1807 - Plainfield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Plainfield
Plainfield, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. This town is elevated on the Green mountain range, at the N.W. corner of the county, and watered by the upper branches of Westfield river.—Although the surface is rough and mountainous, yet the soil is excellent for pasturage, and produces some fine cattle. In 1837, the fleeces of 3,772 sheep, sheared in this town, were valued at $5,379. There are 2 woolen mills, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, palm-leaf hats, chairs, cabinet ware, &c.; total annual value about $40,000. Plainfield lies 110 miles W. by N. from Boston and 20 N.W. from Northampton. Incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 865.
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 - PLAINFIELD. [Pop. 910. Inc. 1807.]
Plainfield was originally the north part of Cummington.

The land is elevated, but the soil is good, especially for grass.

Several small streams and some beautiful ponds water the town.

The chief manufactures are woollen goods and palm-leaf hats.

The hills feed numerous flocks of valuable sheep.

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

1854 - Plainfield
Plainfield, a post-township in Hampshire co., Massachusetts, 110 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 814.
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.

Plainfield Massachusetts, 1890
Plainfield occupies the northwest extremity of Hampshire County, having for its bounds, Hawley on the north, Ashfield on the east, Cummington on the south, and Windsor and Savoy on the west. It contains about 20 square miles. The assessed area is 12,498 acres; and there are about 3,000 acres or forest, consisting of beech, maple and spruce.

Except in the north, Plainfield is occupied by hills, mostly in northwest and southwest ranges; between which, Meadow, Mill and Bartlett brooks run southward to Westfield River, which flows along the southern base of Deer Hill, in the southwest corner, the highest eminence in the town. Crooked Pond, and Plainfield, or North Pond, in the northwest are the principal bodies of water. The underlying rock is talcose and mica-schist; in the latter of which occurs cummingtonite, a variety of hornblende. Rhodonite and pyrolusite —ores of manganese— are also found.

The soil is a heavy loam. The sugar maple is a source of profit, having afforded in... Read MORE...

1895 - Plainfield
Plainfield, a post-hamlet in Plainfield township, Hampshire co, Mass., about 22 miles N.W. of Northampton. It has a church and a woollen-mill. The township presents beautiful scenery. Pop. of the township, 481.
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
Plainfield, a post-village in Plainfield township (Town), Hampshire co., Mass., about 22 miles NW. of Northampton. The town presents beautiful scenery. Pop. in 1900, 404.
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 Plainfield:
Hike the Mohawk Trail: Explore the beautiful Mohawk Trail State Forest, which offers a network of hiking trails that wind through lush forests and past picturesque waterfalls. Be sure to check out the scenic vista points along the trail for stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Plainfield Pond: Enjoy a peaceful day by Plainfield Pond, a serene body of water surrounded by trees. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, fishing, or simply relaxing with a book.

Dubuque Memorial State Forest: This state forest offers more hiking opportunities, as well as camping, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing in the winter months. It's a great place to immerse yourself in nature.

Chesterfield Gorge: Just a short drive from Plainfield, you'll find the stunning Chesterfield Gorge. Take a hike along the marked trail that leads you to this natural wonder, where you can admire the rugged rock formations and the picturesque Westfield River.

Hawley Bog: Explore the unique ecosystem of Hawley... Read MORE...