History of Oakham, Massachusetts, USA

1749 - Oakham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Oakham
Oakham, Massachusetts
Worcester county. The surface of this town is uneven; some of the lands which border on the streams that fall into Chickopee river are fertile. The highlands are not very good. There is a satinet factory in the town and manufactures of straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, leather, ploughs, boots and shoes.

Oakham lies 60 miles W. from Boston, and 15 N.W. from Worcester. It was taken from Rutland in 1762. Population, 1837, 1,109.
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 - OAKHAM. [Pop. 1,038. Inc. 1762.]
Oakham was once a part of Rutland.

Ware River and the Quaboag have sources in this town.

The soil is adapted to grazing rather than tillage.

Some palm-leaf hats and straw bonnets are manufactured.

Distance from Worcester, 16 miles; from Boston, 56.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Oakham
This town was formerly a part of Rutland, and after the incorporation of that town was called Rutland West Wing,” until 1762, when it was incorporated a town by the name of Oakham. The church in this place was embodied in 1767, in the Presbyterian form, and the next year Rev. John Strickland was ordained pastor. He was dismissed in 1773, and the church was dissolved. Shortly after, in the same year, a church on the Congregational plan was organized, but had no settled pastor till 1786, when Rev. Daniel Tomlinson was ordained. Rev. Asa Hixon, jr. was settled colleague pastor in 1829. Rev. James Kimball, the next minister, was installed in 1832. The general surface of this town is hilly and stony. The soil is better adapted to grazing than ploughing. Five Mile river, a branch of the Chicopee, is a stream of considerable size, and. Ware river runs across the north angle of the town. Population, 1,109. Distance, 16 miles from Worcester, and 56 from Boston. In 1837, there was 1 satinet... Read MORE...

1854 - Oakham
Oakham, a post-township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 65 miles W. from Boston. Population, 1137.
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.

Oakham Massachusetts, 1890
Oakham is a pleasant and quiet farming town, lying in the westerly part of Worcester County, about 59 miles west of Boston. The Massachusetts Central Railroad and the Ware River Railroad pass through the town, each having a Coldbrook (Springs) station. The boundaries are Barre, on the northwest, Rutland and Paxton on the northeast, Spencer on the south, and New Braintree on the southwest.

The assessed area is 13,054 acres, of which 4,097 are forest, consisting mostly of oak and chestnut. The prevailing rock is ferruginous gneiss, and the soil, to a large extent, is clay. The surface of the town is elevated, though not mountainous. Prospect Hill is a fine eminence. Muddy Pond in the east and Brownings Pond in the southeast add to the variety and beauty of the scenery. Five-mile River, proceeding from Great Swamp, with its western tributaries, drains the southerly part; and Canesto Brook, flowing southwest by the village of Coldbrook Springs, with Bell and Burrow's brooks, all... Read MORE...

1895 - Oakham
Oak'ham, a post-village of Worcester co, Mass. in Oakham township, about 14 miles N.W. of Worcester City. Pop. of the township, 873.
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
Oakham, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass. in Oakham township (town), about 14 miles NW. of Worcester. Pop. of the town in 1900, 588. It has manufactures of wire goods, furnaces, etc.
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

2023 - Oakham, Massachusetts is a charming town with a rich history and natural beauty. While it may not be as bustling as larger cities, there are still plenty of places to visit and things to do. Here's a list to get you started:
Rutland State Park:

Explore the scenic trails and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking at Rutland State Park.

Coldbrook Springs Winery:

If you appreciate local wines, visit Coldbrook Springs Winery for a tasting and a relaxing afternoon.

Turkey Hill Family Farm:

Have a family-friendly day at Turkey Hill Family Farm, where you can pick your own fruits, enjoy hayrides, and explore the farm.

Stump Hill:

Hike or drive to the top of Stump Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Barre Falls Dam:

Experience the beauty of Barre Falls Dam, a great spot for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Local Farms:

Check out local farms for fresh produce, and perhaps even participate in seasonal events or pick-your-own activities.

Historic Sites:

Explore the town's history by visiting Oakham's historic sites, including old churches and colonial-era buildings.

Cultural Events:

Keep an eye on local event calendars for any... Read MORE...