History of Shelburne, Massachusetts, USA

1756 - Shelburne is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1768 - The town of Shelburne is incorporated

1839 - Shelburne
Shelburne, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town lies on the N. side of Deerfield river opposite to Conway. It is 100 miles W. by N. from Boston and 5 W. from Greenfield. Population, 1837, 1,018. Incorporated, 1768. Deerfield river falls in this town a distance of 20 feet, and produces a valuable water power.

The manufactures of the town consist of woolen goods, leather, boots, shoes, scythes, palm-leaf hats, &c.: annual value about $40,000. The soil of the town is generally of a good quality; considerable wool is grown, and some cattle and products of the dairy are sent to market. More than common attention is paid to mental culture. This is a pleasant and flourishing town: the scenery about the falls is very handsome.
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 - SHELBURNE. [Pop. 1,022. Inc. 1768.]
Shelburne was originally a part of Deerfield, and was named after Lord Shelburne, a British statesman.

This town is pleasantly situated on Deerfield River, the falls of which afford abundance of water-power.

Woollen cloth and scythes are the chief manufactures.

Distance from Greenfield, 9 miles: from Boston, 100.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Shelburne
This town was originally a part of Deerfield, called Deerfield North West. It received its present name from Lord Shelburne, of England. It was incorporated a distinct town in 1768. The first settlement was made in the eastern part of the town; the first meeting house, which was built of logs and plastered, stood about half a mile north of the present Congregational church in the center of the town. The first Congregational minister was Rev. Robert Hubbard, who was settled in 1773; he died in Middletown, Ct. in 1788, aged 45. His successor was Rev. Jesse Townsend, who was settled in 1792, and resigned in 1797: the next pastor was Rev. Theophilus Packard, D. D., who was settled in 1799; he was succeeded by his son of the same name in 1828. The Shakers came into this town in 1782; they continued here about three years, when they removed to New Lebanon: a Mr. Wood was their elder or leader. The oldest house now standing in Shelburne Falls village was built by thcse people. The first... Read MORE...

1854 - Shelburne / Shelburne Falls
Shelbubne, a post-township in Franklin co., Massachusetts, on Deerfield river, 95 miles W. by N. from Boston. Pop., 1239.

Shelburne Falls, a flourishing manufacturing post-village in the above township, on the N. side of Deerfield river, about 90 miles N. W. by W. from Boston. It contains 1 or 2 churches, an academy, and 1 large scythe manufactory. Population, about 1000.
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.

1886 - A Passenger Train in Massachusetts Plunges 200 Feet Down an Embankment.
The Cars Take Fire and a Passenger is Roasted Alive Without the Chance of Succor.

Probably a Hundred Passengers on Board, and only Three Found Uninjured

The Rails Spread.

A Dozen Dead Bodies Recovered and the Work Not Yet Finished

Many Killed While Falling.

GREENFIELD, Mass., April 8. - A terrible disaster occurred on the Fitchburg railroad last night midway between Bardwell's ferry and West Deerfield Station, the east-bound passenger train, due at Greenfield at 6:05 p. m., going over an embankment 200 feet high. Six bodies have already been taken out of the ruins, and it is not known how many others were killed. The train was the Eastern express, and consisted of a baggage-car, a smoker, a sleeping-car, mail-car and two ordinary passenger-cars. The train was in charge of Conductor Foster, with Herbert Littlejohn as engineer. The point where the accident occurred is the most dangerous on the road. The train runs on the edge of an embankment two hundred feet above... Read MORE...

Shelburne Massachusetts, 1890
Shelburne occupies a central position in Franklin County, 113 miles northwest of Boston by the Fitchburg Railroad, which, follows the Deerfield River, marking the southwestern, side of the town almost from northwest to southeast. At the first point the Deerfield receives the North River, which separates Shelburne from Charlemont at their narrow border. Colrain is the boundary on the north, Greenfield and Deerfield on the east; and Conway and Buckland on the southwest.

The assessed area is 13,888 acres; and there are about 3,000 acres of forest. The geological structure is calciferous mica-schist and calcareous gneiss. The land is rugged and mountainous, rising into the bold eminences of Shingle Hill at the south, Bald Mountain at the west, Greenfield. Mountain on the east, and East Hill north of Shelburne centre. Hudson, Allen's and. Smead's brooks flow from the highlands eastward to Green River, while Dragon and Sluice brooks flow southerly into the Deerfield River. At Shelburne... Read MORE...

1895 - Shelburne / Shelburne Falls
Shel'burne, a post-hamlet in Shelburne township, Franklin co., Mass., about 36 miles N. by W. of Springfield. The township is bounded on the S.W. by the Deerfield River, and contains part of a village named Shelburne Falls. Pop. of the township in 1890, 1553.

Shelburne Falls, a post-village of Franklin co., Mass., in Shelburne and Buckland townships, on the Deerfield River and the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, 17 miles E. by S. of the Hoosac Tunnel, and 69 miles W. of Fitchburg. The river here falls about 150 feet. This village has a national bank, a savings-bank, a large manufactory of cutlery and hardware, a public library, an academy, 4 churches, and a silk-factory.
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
Shelburne Falls, a banking post-village of Franklin CO., Mass., on the Dcerfield River and on the Boston and Maine and the New York, New Haven and Hartford Rs. 69 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has manufactures of cutlery and tools. Pop. about 1500.
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

1907 - ENGINE DERAILED ON TRESTLE
Narrow Escape From Bad Wreck on Boston and Maine Road Near Shelburne Falls.

A narrow escape from a serious accident occurred Wednesday evening on the bridge across the Deerfield river at Shelburne junction, near Shelburne Falls. The engine drawing the express train from Boston for the west, known as the Consolidated Limited, leaving Greenfield at 4 o'clock, was running about an hour and a half late Wednesday afternoon. When the train was within a quarter of a mile of the bridge a flange of one of the wheels under the boiler broke.

The engine kept the rails until it reached the bridge, which is a long trestle work, probably 23 or 30 feet high, when it left the rails. The guard rail held it, however, from going into the river. Both tracks were blocked and the wrecking train was sent out from Greenfield. After one track was cleared another engine was sent for and the express train started on for the west, reaching Shelburne Falls about 9:30. The express train for the west out of... Read MORE...

1927 - Shelburne Falls Man Treated for Eye Injury
With a wound piercing his eyelid and penetrating the cornea of his eyeball, Arthur Lamont of Shelburne Falls, and employe[sic] of the Boston & Maine railroad, was brought to this city yesterday morning for treatment by Dr. F. J. O'Hara who took three stitches to close the gash.

Mr. Lamont was working as a brakeman on the Berkshire division near Shelburne Falls when a coupling on a freight car struck him in the eye, cutting through the lid into the eyeball. After having the injury dressed, he was able to return to his home. It is not expected that his vision will be impaired.
North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
June 2, 1927

1929 - O. R. Crosier and E. C. Feige are painting the house of M. Z. Woodward on Masonic avenue.

The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
June 12, 1929

Read more about Edgar Charles "Edward" FEIGE

1940 - Engine House Interior is Being Redecorated
E. C. Feige of Clement street, who was given the contract for painting both the exterior and the interior of the engine house on State street, is decorating the entire interior. Yesterday both pieces of fire apparatus were stationed near the engine house in State street while work was going on.
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
Fri., October 25, 1940

Read more about Edgar Charles "Edward" FEIGE

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Shelburne and its surrounding areas:
Buckland Shelburne Falls Historical Society Museum: Start your visit with a trip to this museum, where you can learn about the history of Shelburne and its neighboring towns. It's a great way to gain insight into the area's past.

Bridge of Flowers: One of Shelburne's most iconic attractions, the Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge transformed into a stunning garden. Take a leisurely stroll across this 400-foot bridge and admire the vibrant flowers and the views of the Deerfield River.

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: If you're interested in the history of transportation, this museum is a must-visit. It features exhibits on trolleys and the role they played in the region's development.

Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley: For a dose of nostalgic fun, head to the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley. It's a classic candlepin bowling alley where you can enjoy a few rounds with friends or family.

Mohawk Trail State Forest: Just a short drive from Shelburne, this state forest offers ... Read MORE...