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History of Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
Explore Hancock, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Hancock Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Hancock, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA
Around 1780, some families in Hancock converted to the teachings of the Shakers. By 1790, Believers in Hancock and Pittsfield established Hancock Shaker Village.
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Hancock Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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1826 Round Stone Barn, Shakers, Hancock, Mass., 1885
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Church Family Shakers, 1880
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Hancock, Mass. from the South
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
"Hancock Shaker Village began in the late 1780s, when nearly 100 Believers consolidated a community on land donated by local farmers who had converted to the Shaker movement. By the 1830s, with a great many more conversions and additional land acquisitions, the Shaker community peaked in population with more than 300 Believers and more than 3,000 acres.
During the height of their growth, religious fervor and influence, the Hancock Shakers erected communal dwelling houses, barns, workshops and other buildings, and developed a large and successful farm. With the 1826 Round Stone Barn as the center of a thriving dairy industry, and with many acres cultivated in medicinal herbs, vegetables, fruits, and other crops, the Hancock Shakers enjoyed a simple, peaceful, and hard-working life, separated from the ways of “The World.” They named their utopian village The City of Peace, and organized the large community into six smaller communal groups known as Families for efficiency of work, worship, and administration..." hancockshakervillage.org){kind=small}
Main Street Hancock Shaker Village (1907)
"Hancock Shaker Village began in the late 1780s, when nearly 100 Believers consolidated a community on land donated by local farmers who had converted to the Shaker movement. By the 1830s, with a great many more conversions and additional land acquisitions, the Shaker community peaked in population with more than 300 Believers and more than 3,000 acres.
During the height of their growth, religious fervor and influence, the Hancock Shakers erected communal dwelling houses, barns, workshops and other buildings, and developed a large and successful farm. With the 1826 Round Stone Barn as the center of a thriving dairy industry, and with many acres cultivated in medicinal herbs, vegetables, fruits, and other crops, the Hancock Shakers enjoyed a simple, peaceful, and hard-working life, separated from the ways of “The World.” They named their utopian village The City of Peace, and organized the large community into six smaller communal groups... Read MORE...
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Shaker Village, West Pittsfield, Mass.
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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E. B. Estes & Sons' Wood Turning and Enameling Mills
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Shaker Gift Shoppe, 1910
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Shaker Village, Hancock, Mass.
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Interior of Shaker Gift Shoppe, 1912
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Hancock Historical Building
Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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Hancock Shaker Village brochure
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to HANCOCK
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Discover Hancock: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1839 - Hancock
Hancock, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This is a mountainous township, on the line of the state of New York, the source of the Housatonick, and the residence of a family of "Shakers." It lies 129 miles W. from Boston, 15 N. by W. from Lenox, and 5 E. from New Lebanon, New York. Incorporated, 1776. Population, 1837, 975.
There are one cotton and three woolen mills in the town and some manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, iron castings, and wooden ware. The value of 5,445 fleeces of wool, sheared in 1837, amounted to $11,544.
As we are so near the lovely valley of New Lebanon, its tepid springs, and a large family of our friends, the Shakers, we must be permitted to cross the line a moment, "just to take a look."
New Lebanon, New York, is in the county of Columbia, and situated in a delightful valley, surrounded by cultivated hills, which present scenery greatly variegated and peculiarly pleasing.
A community of Shakers, of between 500 to 600, own about 3,000 acres of... Read MORE...
Hancock, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This is a mountainous township, on the line of the state of New York, the source of the Housatonick, and the residence of a family of "Shakers." It lies 129 miles W. from Boston, 15 N. by W. from Lenox, and 5 E. from New Lebanon, New York. Incorporated, 1776. Population, 1837, 975.
There are one cotton and three woolen mills in the town and some manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, iron castings, and wooden ware. The value of 5,445 fleeces of wool, sheared in 1837, amounted to $11,544.
As we are so near the lovely valley of New Lebanon, its tepid springs, and a large family of our friends, the Shakers, we must be permitted to cross the line a moment, "just to take a look."
New Lebanon, New York, is in the county of Columbia, and situated in a delightful valley, surrounded by cultivated hills, which present scenery greatly variegated and peculiarly pleasing.
A community of Shakers, of between 500 to 600, own about 3,000 acres of... Read MORE...
1845 - HANCOCK. [Pop. 922. Inc. 1776.]
Before its incorporation, this long strip of land was called Jericho, because walled in by mountains; but its present name was given in honor of the patriot, John Hancock, then President of the Provincial Congress, and afterwards Governor of Massachusetts.
The township is sixteen miles long, and about two broad, but it was not so narrow until the running of the boundary line gave part of it to New York.
The Shakers have a flourishing village at the south part of Hancock, and the citizens generally live by farming. Distance from Lenox, 15 miles ; from Boston, 129.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!
Before its incorporation, this long strip of land was called Jericho, because walled in by mountains; but its present name was given in honor of the patriot, John Hancock, then President of the Provincial Congress, and afterwards Governor of Massachusetts.
The township is sixteen miles long, and about two broad, but it was not so narrow until the running of the boundary line gave part of it to New York.
The Shakers have a flourishing village at the south part of Hancock, and the citizens generally live by farming. Distance from Lenox, 15 miles ; from Boston, 129.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!
1854 - Hancock
Hancock, a post-township of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, about 130 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 789.
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.
Hancock, a post-township of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, about 130 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 789.
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.
1859
HANCOCK, a township of Berkshire co., in the state of Massachusetts, 143 m. W of Boston, bounded on the W by the state of New York. It has a mountainous surface, and is drained by Kinderkook creek and Housatonic river. Pop. 922.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
HANCOCK, a township of Berkshire co., in the state of Massachusetts, 143 m. W of Boston, bounded on the W by the state of New York. It has a mountainous surface, and is drained by Kinderkook creek and Housatonic river. Pop. 922.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
1871 - Shakers Elope
One of the latest excitements is that of an elopement among the Shakers of Hancock, Mass. The parties were Ira Lawson, a leading man of the church and Eliza Van Valen, one of the 'fairest of the fair.' Lawson was allowed to keep the bank account of the society, and it is said he took away with him all he could lay his hands on. As the Shakers are not recognized by law, nothing can be done with him. With this understanding the Shakers will have no trouble to fill his position.
genealogybank.com
Constitution
Connecticut
June 14, 1871
One of the latest excitements is that of an elopement among the Shakers of Hancock, Mass. The parties were Ira Lawson, a leading man of the church and Eliza Van Valen, one of the 'fairest of the fair.' Lawson was allowed to keep the bank account of the society, and it is said he took away with him all he could lay his hands on. As the Shakers are not recognized by law, nothing can be done with him. With this understanding the Shakers will have no trouble to fill his position.
genealogybank.com
Constitution
Connecticut
June 14, 1871
Hancock Massachusetts, 1890
Hancock is a long, narrow, and mountainous township in the northern half of the western side of Berkshire County, and 158 miles west of Boston. Pittsfield, on the Boston and Albany Railroad, and Lebanon Springs, and Montreal (in Stephentown), on Harlem Extension Division of the Vermont Railroad, are the nearest stations. This town is bounded north by Williamstown, east by New Ashford, Lanesborough and Pittsfield, south by Richmond, and west by New Lebanon and Stephentown in New York. Its length is 16 miles north and south. and from two to three miles east and west. The assessed area is 20,696 acres. Of this, 9,683 acres are devoted to forest, which here consists chiefly of beech, birch and maple.
Much of the land is too rough for cultivation, but the sides of the mountains afford excellent pasturage. On Kinderhook Creek (which, flowing southward, leaves the town at the middle of its western side) there is a long, narrow valley of singular fertility, where may be seen some of the... Read MORE...
Hancock is a long, narrow, and mountainous township in the northern half of the western side of Berkshire County, and 158 miles west of Boston. Pittsfield, on the Boston and Albany Railroad, and Lebanon Springs, and Montreal (in Stephentown), on Harlem Extension Division of the Vermont Railroad, are the nearest stations. This town is bounded north by Williamstown, east by New Ashford, Lanesborough and Pittsfield, south by Richmond, and west by New Lebanon and Stephentown in New York. Its length is 16 miles north and south. and from two to three miles east and west. The assessed area is 20,696 acres. Of this, 9,683 acres are devoted to forest, which here consists chiefly of beech, birch and maple.
Much of the land is too rough for cultivation, but the sides of the mountains afford excellent pasturage. On Kinderhook Creek (which, flowing southward, leaves the town at the middle of its western side) there is a long, narrow valley of singular fertility, where may be seen some of the... Read MORE...
1895 - Hancock
Hancock, a post-village of Berkshire co, Mass, in Hancock township, on Kinderhook Creek, 8 miles N.N.W., of Pittsfield. The township has 2 churches, a tannery, and 3 woollen-factories. It is bounded W. by the New York line, and contains a Shaker village. Here the Taconic Mountains afford fine views of the Berkshire and Hudson valleys. Pop. of the township, 506.
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
Hancock, a post-village of Berkshire co, Mass, in Hancock township, on Kinderhook Creek, 8 miles N.N.W., of Pittsfield. The township has 2 churches, a tannery, and 3 woollen-factories. It is bounded W. by the New York line, and contains a Shaker village. Here the Taconic Mountains afford fine views of the Berkshire and Hudson valleys. Pop. of the township, 506.
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
Hancock, a post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Hancock township (town), on Kinderhook Creek, 8 miles NNW. of Pittsfield. The town is bounded W. by the New York boundary-line. The Taconic Mountains afford fine views of the Berkshire and Hudson valleys. Pop. of the town in 1900, 451.
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
Hancock, a post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Hancock township (town), on Kinderhook Creek, 8 miles NNW. of Pittsfield. The town is bounded W. by the New York boundary-line. The Taconic Mountains afford fine views of the Berkshire and Hudson valleys. Pop. of the town in 1900, 451.
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
1960 - The (Hancock) village was closed by the Shakers in 1960, and sold to a local group, who now operate the property as a museum.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Hancock and its surrounding areas:
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort:
Hit the slopes in the winter for skiing and snowboarding.
Enjoy summertime activities like hiking, mountain biking, and the adventure park with zip lines and a mountain coaster.
Hancock Shaker Village:
Step back in time at this historic village that once housed the Shaker religious community.
Explore the beautifully preserved buildings, gardens, and learn about Shaker life and craftsmanship.
Mount Greylock State Reservation:
Hike to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, for breathtaking views.
There are various trails to suit different skill levels, including the Appalachian Trail.
Tanglewood Music Center:
Attend a concert at this renowned outdoor music venue, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Enjoy classical, pop, and contemporary music performances in a stunning natural setting.
The Clark Art Institute:
Explore a world-class collection of European and American art, including... Read MORE...
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort:
Hit the slopes in the winter for skiing and snowboarding.
Enjoy summertime activities like hiking, mountain biking, and the adventure park with zip lines and a mountain coaster.
Hancock Shaker Village:
Step back in time at this historic village that once housed the Shaker religious community.
Explore the beautifully preserved buildings, gardens, and learn about Shaker life and craftsmanship.
Mount Greylock State Reservation:
Hike to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, for breathtaking views.
There are various trails to suit different skill levels, including the Appalachian Trail.
Tanglewood Music Center:
Attend a concert at this renowned outdoor music venue, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Enjoy classical, pop, and contemporary music performances in a stunning natural setting.
The Clark Art Institute:
Explore a world-class collection of European and American art, including... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Hancock Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 21 ancestors who were born or died in Hancock.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Hancock, Massachusetts, USA
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