History of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, USA

1735 - Williamsburg is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1771 - Williamsburg is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Williamsburgh
Williamsburgh, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. The surface of this town is elevated and uneven; but it is pleasant, and has a warm and fertile soil. It is watered by a good stream which meets the Connecticut at Northampton. It lies 8 miles N.W. from Northampton and 100 W. from Boston. Incorporated in 1771. Population, 1837, 1,345.

The manufactures of the town consist of woolen cloth, (3 mills,) boots, shoes, leather, hats, iron castings, axes, gimlets, screw drivers, augers, punches, bitts and bitt stocks, flexible and japan buttons, stocking yarn, and lather boxes; annual value, about $200,000.—The value of buttons, manufactured the year ending April 1, 1837, was $102,500.

In 1837, there were 2,815 sheep sheared in this town, whose fleeces weighed 8,362 pounds, and sold for $5,017.
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 - WILLIAMSBURG. [Pop. 1,309. Inc. 1771.]
This town was once the west part of Hatfield, and was granted to heirs of volunteers against those Indians who destroyed Deerfield in 1704.

Williamsburg is watered by the same stream that runs through Northampton into the Connecticut, affording fine sites for factories.

The chief manufactures are woollen goods, buttons, axes and other tools.

Distance from Northampton, 8 miles; from Boston, 103.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Williamsburg
Williamsburg, a post-village in Hampshire co., Massachusetts, 95 miles WY. by N. from Boston. It contains 3 or 4 churches, and several manufactories. Population of the township, 1537.
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.

1874 - TERRIBLE CATASTROPHE !! BURSTING OF A WATER RESERVOIR IN MASSACHUSETTS !! EVERYTHING CARRIED BEFORE THE TORRENT !!
FOUR VILLAGES ALMOST DEMOLISHED !!
NEARLY 200 LIVES LOST !!
ABOUT $2,000,000 WORTH OF PROPERTY DESTROYED !!

Northampton, Mass., May 16. - Not far from eight o'clock this morning the peaceful residents of Williamsburg were startled by the appearance of a horse dashing madly through the streets, while his rider shouted to the people to escape for their lives, for the reservoir had given way and the waters were coming down upon them.

Scarcely comprehending the dreadful tidings, but with the instinct of self-preservation strong within them, the people began to rush from their homes, while the foam-flecked animal that had so gallantly brought the messenger sunk to the ground, utterly exhausted. Another horse was quickly secured, and the messenger was borne to other villages but the alarm was so sudden that all did not hear it, and scores were caught by the swiftly rolling waters and grand dames, innocent children and strong men were alike overwhelmed by the flood or crushed beneath ... Read MORE...

Williamsburg Massachusetts, 1890
Williamsburg is a hilly town, devoted to farming and manufactures, in the northern border of the west section of Hampshire County, 103 miles west of Boston. The New Haven and Northampton Railroad extends into the town, and has stations at Haydenville, in the southeast, and at Williamsburg (centre),—which are the post-offices. The other villages are Searsville and Skinnerville.

The boundaries are Conway and Whately on the north; the latter and Hatfield on the east; Northampton and Westhampton on the south; and Chesterfield and Goshen on the west. The assessed area is 15,168 acres; and of this, 3,413 acres are forest land. The rock-bed of this town is calciferous mica-schist and granite. The land is generally-elevated and quite mountainous. High Ridge, in the northeastern corner, has an altitude of 1,480 feet, and was a station in the Trigonometrical Survey of the State. Other noted elevations are Walnut Hill, Day's Hill and Shingle Hill in the eastern, and Miller's Hill in the... Read MORE...

1895 - Williamsburg
Williamsburg, a post-village in Williamsburg town ship, Hampshire co, Mass., on Mill River and the New Haven & Northampton Railroad, 8 miles N.W. of Northampton. It has 3 churches, and is surrounded by hilly and picturesque scenery. It was ruined by the bursting of a dam in May, 1874. The township contains a village named Haydenville. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2057.
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
Williamsburg, a post-village in Williamsburg town ship (town), Hampshire co., Mass., on the Mill River, 8 miles NW. of Northampton. It has manufactures of tools, buttons, etc. Pop. of the town (which includes Haydenville) in 1900, 1926.
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 activities to enjoy in and around Williamsburg:
Look Park:

A beautiful, expansive park with walking trails, a miniature golf course, and paddle boats.

Ideal for picnics, sports, or just a leisurely stroll.

Williamsburg Market:

Check out the local market for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a taste of the community.

Often, there are local vendors selling everything from baked goods to handmade jewelry.

Fletcher Farm:

A historic farm that offers a glimpse into Williamsburg's agricultural past.

Perfect for a family outing with educational programs and, sometimes, live demonstrations.

Meekins Library:

If you're a bookworm or just looking for a quiet place to relax, Meekins Library is a must-visit.
It's a charming library with a cozy atmosphere.

Cultural Events:

Keep an eye on local events and festivals. Williamsburg hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

From music festivals to art exhibitions, there's always something happening.

Hiking at Petticoat Hill:

Lace up your hiking... Read MORE...