History of Berkshire, Vermont, USA

Berkshire was chartered on June 22, 1781 by the Vermont Legislature.
Berkshire was one of six towns (the others being Enosburgh, Montgomery, Richford, Wyllis [now Jay] and Westfield) authorized by the legislature in the spring of 1780.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
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The first regular physician who settled in Berkshire, was Dr. Amherst WILLOUGHBY. He had practiced in Western New York a few years, and came to East Berkshire in the spring of 1798.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/FranklinBerkshire.html

The Episcopal Church in East Berkshire, was erected in 1823.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/FranklinBerkshire.html

1839 - Berkshire
Berkshire, Vermont
Franklin county. Elihu M. Royce, son of Stephen Royce, was the first child born in this town. That event occurred in 1793. On Missisque and Trout rivers, which water this town, is some fine intervale land. Pike river from Canada affords Berkshire a great water power. This town lies 50 miles N.W. from Montpelier, 22 N.E. by E. from St. Albans, and 31 N.E. by N. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,308. About 3,000 sheep.
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

1840 - Berkshire, Vermont
"Pike River enters the township from Canada, and, after taking a circuit of several miles, and affording here some of the finest mill sites in the country, returns again to Canada . . . This township was granted to William Goodrich, Barzilla Hudson, Charles Dibble, and their associates, March 13, 1780, and was chartered by the name of Berkshire June 22, 1781. The settlement of this town was commenced in 1792 by Job Barber, Stephen Royce, Daniel Adams, Jonathan Carpenter and Phinehas Heath, moved their families here in 1793, and from this time the settlement advanced with considerable rapidity. Elihu M., son of Stephen Royce, was born in 1793, and was the first child born in town. The town was organized in 1794, and David Nutting was first town clerk."
Gazetteer of Vermont, Hayward, 1840

1849 - Berkshire
Franklin Co. Missisco River runs through the south-east comer of the town, and receives Trout River near the line of Enosburgh. On these streams is some fine intervale. Pike River enters the township from Canada, and, after taking a circuit of several miles, and affording here some of the finest mill sites in the country, returns again into Canada. On Pike River, in this town, are several mills. The soil is various, but generally good. Its surface is diversified with gentle swells and vales, but does not rise into mountains. It is well watered with brooks.

Boundaries. North by St. Armand, in Canada, east by Richford, south by Enosburgh, and west by Franklin.

First Settlers. This township was granted to William Goodrich, Barzilla Hudson, Charles Dibble, and their associates, March 13, 1780, and was chartered by the name of Berkshire, June 22, 1781. The settlement of this town was commenced in 1792 by Job Barber. Stephen Royce, Daniel Adams, Jonathan Carpenter, and Phinehas Heath, ... Read MORE...

1854 - Berkshire
Berkshire, a post-township of Franklin county, Vermont, about 50 miles N. by E. from Montpelier, on the N. side of Missisque river, has very great water privileges. Population, 1955.
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.

1895 - Berkshire
Berkshire, a post-township of Franklin co., Vt., about 20 miles E.N.E. of St. Albans, is drained by the Missisquoi River. It contains a village named East Berkshire, which is on a branch of the Vermont Central Railroad, and a hamlet named West Berkshire. It has 5 churches. Pop. 1609.
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

1905 - BERKSHIRE
At the meeting of the Berkshire Union Religious Society, held in the town hall Wednesday evening, January 11. The prospect of erecting a church was talked over and a committee appointed to see what could be done to raise funds for that purpose.
St Albans Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
January 19, 1905

1916
Berkshire, a post-township (town) and village of Franklin co., Vt., about 20 miles ENE. of St. Albans, is drained by the Missisquoi River. Pop. in 1900, 1326.
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

1922 - BERKSHIRE WOMAN IS 100 YEARS OLD. Hale and Hearty Despite Age She Assists at Big Birthday Celebration.
Berkshire, Aug. 12., - Mrs. Lucy S. Chaffee, of Berkshire, celebrated her 100th anniversary at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. C. Weld, in Berkshire, on Saturday, August 5. She was the recipient of many cards and letters and a profusion of the most beautiful flowers, candy, fruit, and other gifts, which marked the esteem in which she is held.

Relatives and friends gathered at the home in the afternoon to assist in the celebration, there being present, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews...

During the day and evening many called by telephone to extend congratulations and in the eveing the neighbors called to pay their respects. Mr. Carpenter, a photographer from Enosburg Falls, was present and took group pictures of those present, of the representatives of five generations and of Mrs. Chaffee alone, after which refreshments, consisting of ice cream, cake, and punch were served. Mrs. J. Emmmett Weld made the birthday ccake upon... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Berkshire, Vermont:
Berkshire Center Cemetery: Start your exploration with a visit to the Berkshire Center Cemetery. It's not just a burial ground; it's a peaceful and serene place with historical gravestones and beautiful trees. Take a moment to reflect and appreciate the town's history.

Berkshire Historical Society: For those interested in the history of the area, the Berkshire Historical Society is a must-visit. You can learn about the town's past through exhibits, artifacts, and local stories.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Berkshire is surrounded by the Green Mountains, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore hiking trails like the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail, which pass through this region. Bingham Falls is another nearby natural wonder worth exploring.

Montgomery Covered Bridge: Just a short drive away from Berkshire, you'll find the picturesque Montgomery Covered Bridge. This historic bridge spans the Trout River and is a great spot for... Read MORE...