History of Bellingham, Massachusetts, USA

1713 - Bellingham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

(Bellingham) - The area of the town south of the Charles River constituted the southwestern corner of the Dedham Grant, which sprouted much of what has become Norfolk County.
The land was swampy, and the town of Dedham did not believe it worthy of settlement. The area north of the river would be purchased by Edward Rawson, and due to the settlement of borders with the surrounding communities, these two areas would eventually merge. By 1713, there were enough citizens to warrant village meetings in the area. By 1718, the village petitioned for separation, and the town officially incorporated on November 27, 1719. The village was originally named "Westham" (short for "West Dedham"), but at the time of incorporation, its name was changed to Bellingham without record of the benefactor. The town is named for Richard Bellingham, an early governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
wikipedia.org

1719 - Bellingham is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Bellingham
Bellingham, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. The soil of this town is light and sandy, and not very good for agricultural purposes. It is finely watered by Charles river, and has a good hydraulic power. Its manufactures, consisting of cotton and woollen goods, straw bonnets, boots and shoes, amounted in one year to $127,837. It lies 18 miles S.W. from Dedham, 17 N. by W. from Providence, R.I., and 28 S.W. from Boston. Population, 1837, 1,159. Incorporated, 1719. Iron ore is found here.
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 - BELLINGHAM. [Pop. 1,055. Inc. 1719.]
Bellingham, originally a part of Dedham, was named after Richard Bellingham, one of the early Governors of Massachusetts.

The chief stream is a branch of the Charles.

Its manufactures are boots and shoes, and some cotton and woollen goods.

Distance from Dedham, 18 miles; from Boston, 28.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Bellingham
This town was set off from Dedham, and incorporated as a town in 1719. Rev. Jonathan Mills was ordained in 1727 over a Congregational church which had been previously formed in this place. He continued here about ten years, through not in the most harmonious manner, and was dismissed in 1737. He retired to Boston, where he died, in 1773. The people had occasional preaching after the dismissal of Mr. Mills, till 1774. when the meeting house was demolished. For about the period of sixty years past, no Congregational minister has statedly held meetings in the town. The Congregational church has long been extinct. Some families of this order, however, are religiously associated with the west parish in Medway.

In the center of the town there are 2 churches, and 10 or 12 dwelling houses. Distance, 5 miles from Mendon, 18 from Dedham, and 28 from Boston. Population, 1,159. In 1837, there were 2 cotton mills, 1,672 spindles; 427,470 yards of cotton goods were manufactured, valued at... Read MORE...

1854 - Bellingham
Bellingham, a post-township of Norfolk county, Massachusetts, 30 miles S. W. of Boston, intersected by branches of Charles river, affording good water-power. Pop., 1281.
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 - In the towns of Cumberland, Smithfield, Blackstone, and Bellingham, R. I.,
there are seventeen cotton and eight woolen mills, which employ 5,550 hands, run 4,480 looms, and annually use 15,300,000 pounds of cotton. Foundations are now being laid to run 150,000 spindles.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 20, 1869

Bellingham Massachusetts, 1890
Bellingham occupies the southwestern extremity of Norfolk County, and is bounded on the north by Medway and Milford, east by Wrentham and Franklin, south by Cumberland and Woonsocket in Rhode Island, and west by Blackstone and Mendon. It is about 31 miles from Boston ; and is accommodated by the main line, and the Woonsocket and Milford branches, of the New York and New England Railroad,— the last two having their junction at Bellingham Centre ; the other stations being North Bellingham. South Bellingham and Caryville. The form is nearly a parallelogram, whose length north and south is about three times its width. The assessed area is 10,950 acres,— of which 3,292 acres are woodland. The geological formation is calcareous gneiss. Mica slate has also been found, of which whetstones have been made to some extent. The land is level for the most part, although there are pleasant eminences at the north, the centre, and the southeast. Beaver Pond, near the Milford line, is a beautiful sheet ... Read MORE...

1895 - Bellingham
Bell'ingham, a post-hamlet of Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York & New England, and Hopkinton, Milford & Woonsocket Railroads, 32 miles S.W. of Boston. Pop. in 1880, 1223; in 1890, 1334.
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

1916
Bellingham, a post-village of Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 32 miles SW. of Boston. Pop. in 1900, about 1650.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Bellingham, Massachusetts:
Franklin State Forest:

Explore the outdoors with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.

Silver Lake Park:

A beautiful park with a lake, perfect for fishing, boating, or just relaxing by the water.

Southwick's Zoo:

A popular family destination with a zoo featuring a variety of animals, as well as a petting zoo and seasonal events.

Bungay River Conservation Area:

Enjoy nature and hiking along the Bungay River with well-maintained trails.

Warren Conference Center and Inn:

A serene location offering hiking trails, a lake, and a historic mansion. It's also a great venue for events.

CraftRoots Brewing:

Local brewery offering a variety of craft beers. A great spot for beer enthusiasts.

Raven's Nest Golf Club:

Hit the links and enjoy a round of golf at this well-regarded golf course.

South Bellingham Playground:

A family-friendly park with a playground for kids, sports facilities, and open spaces.

Coachmen's Lodge:

A classic New... Read MORE...