History of Southampton, Massachusetts, USA

1732 - Southampton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Southampton
Southampton, Massachusetts
Hampshire county. Manhan river waters the town and affords it mill privileges. The Farmington canal passes through the eastern part. Lead in various forms and qualities is found here, and here is a subterraneous passage leading to the lead mine in Westhampton. There are some manufactures in the town, but the people are generally employed in agricultural pursuits, and the soil is well adapted to that purpose.

Southampton is pleasantly situated, 9 miles S.W. from Northampton and 97 W. by S. from Boston. Incorporated, 1753. Population, 1837, 1,216.
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 - SOUTHAMPTON. [Pop. 1,157. Inc. 1753.]
Southampton was originally a part of Northampton.

It is watered by the Manhan, a branch of the Connecticut, that curves through the town.

The chief curiosity is a tunnel under a hill, excavated by miners in search of lead. The search did not repay the labor; but many curious persons pass under the hill in a boat, which gives no faint idea of the fabled passage-boat of Charon to the under world.

Distance from Northampton, 8 miles; from Boston, 97.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Southampton
Southampton, a village in Hampshire co., Massachusetts, 95 miles W. by S. from Boston, contains 1 or 2 churches, and an academy. Population of the township, 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.

1890 Southampton Massachusetts
Southampton, in the southerly part of Hampshire County, 115 miles west of Boston, and nine miles southwest of Northampton, has Westhampton and Easthampton on the north, the latter and Holyoke on the east, Westfield on the south, and Montgomery and Huntington on the west. The number of inhabitants is 1,025; of dwelling-houses, 220; of farms, 177; and of voters, 246. The valuation is $493,417; and the rate of taxation $15 on $1,000.

The underlying rock is lower sandstone and granite, in which occur beds of coal and iron ore. There are also various other minerals, such as galena, white-lead, anglesite, molybdate of lead, fluor, heavy spar, copper and iron pyrites, blende, corneous lead, and pyromorphite. In one locality in the northern section of the town the rock has been excavated horizontally to the distance of 900 feet for the purpose of obtaining lead. Pomeroy's Hill in the northern, Little Mountain in the central, and Flat Hill and Wolf Hill in the southwestern section, are the... Read MORE...

1906
Southampton, a post-village in Southampton township (town), Hampshire co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 8 miles SSW. of Northampton. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1012.
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

1964 - SEN. KENNEDY INJURED IN PLANE CRASH. AIDE AND PILOT KILLED WHEN LIGHT CRAFT MEETS DISASTER AT MASSACHUSETTS AIRPORT.
Southampton, Mass. - (UPI) - Sen. EDWARD M. KENNEDY, suffered a broken back and two other men were killed when a light plane crashed Friday night in dense fog in an apple orchard.

KENNEDY was in fair condition at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital in nearby Northampton.

Doctors said, "There are no head injuries and no neurological findings. He has complete use of his legs and hands."

Sen. BIRCH BAYH, D-Ind., and his wife, MARVELLA, who also were aboard the plane en route to the Massachusetts Democratic convention, were less seriously hurt. They were reported doing "extremely well."
Dr. Thomas Corriden, senior surgeon, said the 32-year-old KENNEDY "has improved considerably since admission and is resting comfortably. X-rays show he has fractures of the fifth and sixth ribs on the left side and fractures of the second, third and fourth lumbar vertebrae."
"The lumbar vertebrae are in the lower back. He also has fractures of the second, third and fourth transverse processes. These are... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Southampton:
Conant Park:

Start your visit to Southampton with a trip to Conant Park. This lovely park features walking trails, a playground for kids, and open green spaces perfect for picnics. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Manhan Rail Trail:

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Manhan Rail Trail is a must-visit. This scenic trail is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or even rollerblading. It spans several miles and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Pond Hill Conservation Area:

Nature lovers will appreciate the Pond Hill Conservation Area. This serene spot features hiking trails that wind through lush forests and lead to a picturesque pond. It's an excellent place for birdwatching and enjoying the peacefulness of nature.

Loomis Ridge Conservation Area:

Another great option for hiking and exploring the outdoors is the Loomis Ridge Conservation Area. This hidden gem offers a variety of trails, including some with more challenging terrain, making... Read MORE...