History of Buckland, Massachusetts, USA

1779 - The town of Buckland is settled and incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Buckland
Buckland, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This is a pleasant town and is separated from Charlemont by Deerfield river. It lies 102 miles W. by N. from Boston, 10 W. from Greenfield, and 20 E.S.E. from Adams. Incorporated, 1779. Population, 1837, 1,051.—This is a good farming town and produces a considerable quantity of wool.
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 - BUCKLAND. [Pop. 1,084. Inc. 1779.]
A part of Buckland was taken from Charlemont. Clesson's River, a small stream, runs into the Deerfield, which forms the northern boundary of the town.

Agriculture is the principal business. The surface is hilly. Distance from Greenfield, 12 miles ; from Boston, 105.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Buckland
This town was incorporated in 1779. A part of its territory was within the limits of Charlemont. The first minister of this place was Rev. Josiah Spaulding, from Plainfield, Con.; he was installed pastor in 1794. His successor, the Rev. Benjamin F. Clarke, was settled here 1824. The first settlement within the limits of the town was probably made on Deerfield river, about two and a half miles from the Congregational church in the center of the town. A Mr. White is believed to have been the first person who settled there. About the same time a settlement was made in the south part of the town by Capt. Nahum Ward. Flisson, Jonathan Ward, was the first white child born in the town. Capt. Ward settled about one and a half miles westward of the center. Persons of the Baptist denomination settled about two miles south-easterly from the center of the town at a very early period.

The surface of this town is hilly and broken. Clesson’s river, a mill-stream, passes centrally through the... Read MORE...

1854 - Buckland
Buckland, a post-township of Franklin county, Massachusetts, on the S. side of Deerfield river, about 100 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 1056.
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
BUCKLAND, a township of Franklin co. in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 104 m. NW of Boston, on the S side of Deerfield river. Pop. in 1840, 1,084.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1866 - A FEROCIOUS MANIAC
[Yes, this sad story was actually in the newspaper in 1866 - unbelievable!]

There is a maniac now living in Buckland, Mass, named Josiah Spaulding, who, the Springfield Republican says, has been confined in an iron cage for over fifty years, and for more than thirty years has not stood erect. He has become so deformed that it is impossible to straighten his limbs by natural force. he refuses to be clothed, and will not suffer anything to remain on him, and is only kept warm in winter by warming the room in which his cage is place. He is the son of Rev. Josiah Spaulding. When he first became insane he endeavored to murder his father, mother and sister, and it became necessary to confine him so that he could not harm any one.
genealogybank.com
Albany Evening Journal
Albany, New York
September 24, 1866

1889 - Gold!
Farmers in Franklin County, Mass., were greatly excited on the 1st over the discovery of gold among the Buckland hills.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 5, 1889

Buckland Massachusetts, 1890
Buckland is a pleasant farming town in the western part of Franklin County, 125 miles from Boston on the Fitchburg Railroad. This road crosses the northeast corner of the town, where the Buckland station is located ; but that of Shelburne Falls, on the eastern border, is also convenient. The post-office is Buckland, and the villages are the centre and Buckland Four Corners.

The surrounding towns are Charlemont on the north, Shelburne and Conway on the east, Ashfield on the south, and Hawley and Charlemont on the west. The beautiful Deerfield River forms the entire northern line, and taking a sharp turn south forms the line of Shelburne on the eastern side. It receives as tributaries in Buckland, beginning at the west, First, Second, Third, Ware's and Clark's brooks, and Clesson's River, which crosses the middle of the town from south to north, receiving Taylor's Brook on the way, and furnishing power for several mills.

The manufactures consist of cutlery (employing, in 1885, 216 ... Read MORE...

1895 - Buckland
Buckland, a post-township of Franklin co, Mass, 10 miles W. of Greenfield, is on the Troy & Greenfield Railroad, and is bounded on the N. by Deerfield River. It contains the village of Buckland, which is 2 miles S. of Buck land Station, and a part of Shelburne Falls. Pop. 1921.
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
Buckland, a post-township (town) of Franklin co., Mass., 10 miles W. of Greenfield, is on the Boston and Maine R., and is bounded on the N. by the Deerfield River. Pop. in 1900, 1446.
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

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Buckland:
Buckland Historical Society Museum: Start your journey through Buckland's history at the local museum. It features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the town's rich heritage.

Buckland State Forest: Nature enthusiasts will love exploring Buckland State Forest. There are several hiking trails, including the Mahican-Mohawk Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Visit Nearby Shelburne Falls: Just a short drive away, Shelburne Falls is a picturesque village famous for its Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge now adorned with vibrant blooms. Don't miss the Glacial Potholes, a series of natural potholes created by retreating glaciers.

Hike to High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in neighboring Shelburne, this sanctuary offers fantastic hiking opportunities with panoramic views. It's especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.

Buckland Public Library: If you're looking for a quiet place to read or relax, the Buckland Public Library is a... Read MORE...