History of Worthington, Massachusetts, USA

1764 - Worthington is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1768 - Worthington is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Worthington
Worthington, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. This town has a good soil: it is pleasantly situated on elevated ground: it has some mineral treasures, and is washed by a branch of Westfield river. It is 103 miles W. from Boston, 55 E. from Albany, N.Y., and 17 W.N.W. from Northampton. Incorporated, 1763. Population, 1837, 1,142.

The manufactures of Worthington consist of leather, boots, shoes, curtains, children's wagons, and hats: annual value, about $50,000.

In 1837, there were sheared in this town 9,050 merino sheep: the wool weighed 27,000 pounds, and sold for $16,875.
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 - WORTHINGTON. [Pop. 1,197. Inc. 1768.]
This township is mountainous, the soil excellent, and fitted for grazing. It is well watered by the sources of Westfield river.

Agriculture, merino sheep, and leather, occupy the attention of the inhabitants.

Distance from Northampton, 17 miles; from Boston, 110
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Worthington
Worthington, a post-township of Hampshire co., Massachusetts, 100 miles W. from Boston. Population, 1134.
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.

1863 - SAD AFFAIR AT WEST WORTHINGTON
Three Young Ladies Drowned
We learn the particulars of a most painful accident at West Worthington, yesterday. It appears that Mr. Duane Beals, his young wife, Miss Cornelia Brown, and a boy of 14 and a girl of 11 years, named Jones, all of Worthington, and Miss Laura Beals of Hinsdale, were rowing in a boat on the pond in Worthington, when it was swamped from being too heavily loaded and the whole party were plunged into the water. Mrs. Beals and Misses Brown and Beals were drowned. Mr. Beals who was a swimmer escaped, bearing with him to the shore the boy and girl who clung to him. - The bodies of the young ladies drowned were recovered last night. The sad calamity has cast a gloom over the whole community where it occurred.
The Berkshire County Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
May 28, 1863

Worthington Massachusetts, 1890
Worthington is a fine farming and grazing town lying in the northwesterly section of Hampshire County, on the eastern declivity of the Green Mountains. It is 143 miles west of Boston and 17 miles (by highway) west of Northampton. Its nearest railroad stations are at Hinsdale, Williamsburg and Huntington. The post-offices are Worthington (centre), West Worthington, Ringville and South Worthington. Four Comers is the other village.

This town is bounded on the north by Cummington, on the east by Chesterfield, on the south by Chester, and on the west by Middlefield and Peru. The assessed area is 10,825 acres; of which 5,189 are forest. The geological formation is the Quebec group, and calciferous mica-schist. Specimens of kyanite, in long-bladed crystallizations, are found. The surface is elevated, but there are few high hills. The several streams flow southeasterly, and are affluents of the Westfield River. They are well stored with trout, and have furnished power for many saw mills.... Read MORE...

1895 - Worthington
Worthington, a post-hamlet in Worthington township, Hampshire co, Mass., about 30 miles N.W. of Springfield. It has 2 churches, a cheese-factory, and a bedstead-factory. Pop. of the township, 818.
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
Worthington, a post-township (town) of Hampshire co., Mass., about 30 miles NW. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 675.
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 Worthington:
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum:
Start your Worthington adventure with a journey back in time at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Explore vintage trains, learn about the region's railway history, and enjoy a scenic ride through the picturesque Berkshires.

Dubois Library:
If you're a bookworm, make sure to stop by the charming Dubois Library. It's not just a repository of books but also a community hub where you can engage in literary events and connect with locals.

Worthington State Forest:
Nature lovers, rejoice! Worthington State Forest is a haven for outdoor activities. Hike the trails, have a picnic by the pond, or simply bask in the tranquility of this natural gem.

Haskins Park:
Unwind at Haskins Park, a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. The park has playgrounds for the kids and ample green space to relax.

Historical Society Museum:
Dive into Worthington's past at the Historical Society Museum. Discover artifacts, photographs, and... Read MORE...