History of South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA

1659 - South Hadley is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1838 - August 23 - Mt Holyoke Female Seminary (South Hadley, Mass) 1st graduating class

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1839 - South Hadley
South Hadley, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. Nature and art seem to have united to render this an interesting place. The falls on the Connecticut are 50 feet; not perpendicular, but in so short a distance as to render the river very rapid. These falls, Mount Holyoke at the north part of the town, and Mount Tom on the west side of the river, with the luxuriant meadows along this beautiful stream, would form a picture of no ordinary character. These falls are rendered passable for freight and steamboats by a canal about two miles in length. In this canal is a cut through solid rock, 40 feet in depth and 300 feet in length. The hydraulic power, at this place, is very great, having the whole volume of Connecticut river and some smaller streams at command for manufacturing purposes. Much of the water power is yet unimproved, but its local situation is such as to insure its usefulness as the manufacturing interests of New England increase. There are in South Hadley 3 paper and 2 woolen... Read MORE...

1845 - SOUTH HADLEY. [Pop. 1,458. Inc. 1753.]
This town was originally the south part of Hadley.

The original church, which contained but nine pews, is now a dwelling-house.

Opposite South Hadley the Connecticut has a fall of fifty feet, around which a canal is constructed.

Mount Holyoke, probably named in honor of one of the early presidents of Harvard College, is in this town, and from its summit affords one of the most delightful views in the world.

Mount Holyoke Seminary for the education of female teachers is pleasantly situated, and has a high reputation.

The chief manufactures are woollens, paper, pearl buttons and leather.

Distance from Northampton, 5 miles; from Boston, 90.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - South Hadley
South Hadley, a post-township in Hampshire co., Mass., on the E. side of Connecticut river, 85 miles W.by S. from Boston. Pop. 2495.
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.

1887 - South Hadley Seminary, one of the earliest of the collegiate institutions for women in this country,
and one which has done incalculable service in promoting Christian education, both hear and abroad, by its work, is preparing to hold a semi-centennial next summer. All the graduates of the seminary and their friends are invited to be present. A great tent is to be put up for the exercises, and another for restaurant purposes. - Boston Journal.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 15, 1887

South Hadley Massachusetts, 1890
South Hadley, noted for the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, is situated on the east bank of the Connecticut River, in the southern part of Hampshire County, about 112 miles west of Boston; and contains 610 dwelling-houses and 3,949 inhabitants. It is bounded on the north by Hadley (the line running over the summit of Mount Holyoke), east by Granby, south by Chicopee, and west by Holyoke and Northampton, — from which it is separated by the river. The assessed area is 9,132 acres; the forests comprising 2,883. The rock formation is middle shales, dolerite and lower sandstone, which rises on the north into the lofty ridge of Mount Holyoke, described in the article on Hadley. The soil is fertile and is drained by Elmer's Brook and Bachellor's Brook in the north. Stony Brook (which runs deviously through the central village), and Battery Brook, which enters the Connecticut River at South Hadley. Four small ponds, containing from 12 to 16 acres each, add somewhat to the beauty of the... Read MORE...

1906
South Hadley, a post-township (town) and village of Hampshire co., Mass., about 2 miles E. of the Connecticut River and 11 miles N. of Springfield. It contains Mount Holyoke College and has manufactures of paper, fertilisers, sash and blinds, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 4526.
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

Let's dive into some places to see and things to do in South Hadley:
Mount Holyoke College
If you're into beautiful campuses and academic vibes, Mount Holyoke College is a must-visit. The campus is stunning, with picturesque buildings and well-maintained grounds. You can take a stroll around the campus and appreciate the architecture and history.

The Village Commons
For a dose of small-town charm, head to The Village Commons. It's a quaint area with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon of browsing unique boutiques or grabbing a coffee and enjoying the atmosphere.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Mount Holyoke Range State Park. It offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The Summit House at the top provides breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley. It's a great spot for a picnic or to simply take in the natural beauty.

Buttery Brook Park
For a more relaxed outdoor experience, Buttery Brook Park is a gem. With walking trails, a pond, and scenic spots,... Read MORE...