History of Belchertown, Massachusetts, USA

In 1727 the "equivalent lands" were sold by Connecticut to seven persons who resided in Boston.
The land was divided into six equal parts, the 1/ 7th part being granted to Jonathan Belcher, later to become governor of Massachusetts, and the town's namesake. Belchertown contained an area of 27,190 acres or approximately sixty square miles.

www.belchertown.org/ residents/ towninfo/ WEB_history_(1) Doris.htm

1731 - Belchertown is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1761 - Belchertown is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1812 - Early stores were simple trading posts. The first store to do considerable business is said to have been owned by Caleb Clark. During the War of 1812 there were five stores in town.
Those of Philo Dickinson, Morris and Clark, Henry Helen and Wright Bridgeman occupied the southwest corner of the center at Maple and Main Streets Jonas Holland occupied one on Federal Street near Holland Glenn. These stores sold General Merchandise of every conceivable description, from silks to horses, and frequently took goods and land in trade when the farmers were short of cash.

www.belchertown.org/ residents/ towninfo/ WEB_history_(1) Doris.htm

1839 - Belchertown
Belchertown, Massachusetts
A beautiful town in Hampshire county, originally called "Cold Spring," 75 miles W. from Boston, 11 E. from Northampton, and 27 E. from Pittsfield. Population, 1837, 2,598. First settled, 1732. Incorporated, 1761. The soil of the town is of an excellent quality, and well improved. Large quantities of wool is grown in this town. It is separated from Ware by Swift river on the N. The principal manufacture is that of pleasure wagons, of which about 600 are annually made. Mr. A. Shumway, of this place, has driven the stage between Belchertown and Northampton 25 successive years. In that period he made 15,000 trips, traveled 218,400 miles, and carried at least 124,000 passengers; yet, although his hours of traveling were early in the morning and late in the evening, he never broke a limb, overturned his coach, or met with any serious accident whatever, during his whole career.
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

1843 - Giant Cow
Ira Fenton, of Belchertown, Mass., has raised a Durham cow, which is now eight years old, and weighs 1740 pounds. On the 29th of May she brought a calf, and the owner had the curiosity to measure her bag, it was two feet in depth, two feet in length, and eighteen inches in width! The calf was then put upon one side, and 90 pounds of milk taken from the other side at the same time. After the calf had done, 21 1-2 pounds more were taken from that side! - Twenty-four highly respectable citizens of Belchertown attest these facts in the Northampton Democrat.
genealogybank.com
Emancipator
New York
September 21, 1843

1845 - BELCHERTOWN. [Pop. 2,554. Inc. 1761.]
Belchertown, with Ware and Pelham, were once granted to Connecticut as an equivalent for four towns in Connecticut, that were claimed by Massachusetts.

Connecticut sold the greater part of this town to Jonathan Belcher (a native of Cambridge, and afterwards governor) and five associates, who gave the tract the name of Belchertown, it having previously been called Cold Spring.

Swift River separates Belchertown from Ware, and a small branch of Ware river runs through the whole township,

The soil is good, and agriculture and the raising of sheep are the chief employment of the inhabitants, the only considerable article of manufacture being that of pleasure-wagons.

Distance from Northampton, 15 miles; from Boston, 77.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Belchertown
Belchertown, a post-township of Hampshire county, Massachusetts, 70 miles W. by S. of Boston. Population, 2680.
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.

1860 - SHOCKING DEATH OF A YOUNG WOMAN.
A correspondent of the Worcester (Mass.) Spy gives the following particulars of a fatal accident which occurred on Saturday afternoon, the 26th of May, at the [illegible] manufactory of F. M. Bardwell & Co., in South Belchertown.

Henrietta Fuller, a young woman employed as a weaver in the factory, aged about eighteen years, went to a water cask to obtain water for washing. This cask was very near an upright shaft and coupling box, which was revolving at the rate of over one hundred revolutions per minute, and with which the dress of the unfortunate girl became entangled. With every revolution her head struck upon the strong iron frame work supported the regulator, crushing her forehead, and forcing her eyes from their sockets, while her body and limbs were horribly mangled and broken. The cask and the ceiling were covered with marks of the catastrophe, and the body was so firmly bound to the shaft that her steel skirts were cut with chisels before she could be liberated.
The New Albany Daily Ledger
New Albany, Indiana
June 2, 1860

1861 - The Old Town Hall on Park Street was built in 1861 for about $8,735 and was used as the town meeting place until better facilities were constructed at Lawrence Memorial Hall.
In older days such activities as May fairs, dances and plays were given here. This building collapsed in 1862 when the roof fell in from the weight of ice and snow.

www.belchertown.org/ residents/ towninfo/ WEB_history_(1) Doris.htm

Belchertown Massachusetts, 1890
Belchertown lies in the easterly part of Hampshire County, about 75 miles west of Boston. Pelham bounds it on the north, Enfield, Ware and Palmer on the east, the latter and Ludlow on the south, and the last, with Granby and Amherst, on the west. It extends north and south about 12 miles, by 8 miles from east to west; having a taxable area of 31,680 acres, excluding highways and water surfaces. About 8,000 acres are woodland, consisting chiefly of butternut and oak; but the numerous trees along the highways are principally maple and elm.

Swift River (named from the rapidity of its current) washes two thirds of the eastern border of the town; Jabish River flows from the centre southward; Broad Brook occupies the southwestern part; and Bacheler's Brook the western, and Hoop Brook the northwestern sections. The largest of the several ponds are Lower:Pond, containing about 96 acres, and Middle Pond, about 40. The surface in most parts is hilly, having some commanding eminences. The... Read MORE...

1895 - Belchertown
Bel'chertown, a post-village of Hampshire co., Mass., 10 miles by rail S.E. of Amherst, and about 18 miles N.E. of Springfield. It has 3 churches, a high school, a hotel, and a carriage-factory. Pop. of township in 1890, 2120
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
Belchertown, a post-village and township (town) of Hampshire co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine and the Central Vermont Rs., 10 miles SE. of Amherst, its banking point. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2292.
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

Whether you're a resident looking for new adventures or a visitor passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Belchertown:
Quabbin Reservoir: This massive man-made reservoir is a jewel of Belchertown and a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking, biking, picnicking, or simply take a leisurely drive along the scenic roads that border the reservoir. Fishing and boating are also allowed in designated areas.

D.A.R. State Forest: Just a short drive from Belchertown, this state forest offers excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing. The Quabbin Reservoir Visitor Center is also located here, providing information about the reservoir's history and the local wildlife.

Belchertown State School: While the school itself is no longer operational, the grounds and some of the buildings have been repurposed into a recreational area. You can explore the historic architecture and enjoy a walk around the beautiful grounds.

Swift River Reservation: Part of the Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations, this natural area features hiking trails that wind through woodlands and... Read MORE...