History of Montgomery, Massachusetts, USA

1767 - Ephraim Avery arrives in Montgomery
The exact date of the earliest settlement in this area cannot be determined, but it is known that settlers came here as early as 1767. It was in that year that Ephraim Avery arrived with his family and built the first frame house seen in this section.
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1780 - Montgomery was incorporated as a town on November 28, 1780, and was named in honor of General Richard Montgomery, who died fighting at Quebec in 1775.

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

In 1792, small portions of the towns of Norwich(Huntington) and Southampton, now in Hampshire County, were added, and as thus made up the town as it has remains to this day.

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1839 - Montgomery
Montgomery, Massachusetts
Hampden county. This is a mountainous township on the N. side of Westfield river, and has a good water power. It lies 100 miles W. by S. from Boston and 12 N.W. from Springfield. Incorporated, 1780. Population, 1837, 497. This is a good town for grazing, and it produces considerable wool and some beef cattle.
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 - MONTGOMERY. [Pop. 740. Inc. 1780.]
Montgomery was once a part of Westfield and Southampton.

This town was named after General Montgomery, who was slain in an unsuccessful attack upon Quebec, at the commencement of the Revolutionary War.

It is a small agricultural town among the mountains, and its chief produce is wool and beef-cattle.

Distance from Springfield, 12 miles ; from Boston, 100.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Montgomery
This town was incorporated in 1780. A Congregational church was organized here in 1797; it consisted at the time it was organized of five male members. Rev. Seth Noble, the first pastor, was settled here in 1801, and resigned in 1806. He died in the state of Ohio, a few years since, whither he had removed. His successor in the ministry was Rev. John H. Fowler, who was ordained in 1822; he died in 1829, aged 58. The next pastor was Rev. Solomon Edson, who was settled in 1832, and resigned in 1836. Rev. Caleb Knight, the next pastor, was installed the same year.

This is a small agricultural town. Population, 497. Distance, 12 miles from Springfield, 12 from Northampton, and 100 from Boston. In 1837, there were 1,189 merino and 279 other kinds of sheep; the average weight of their fleece was two and three fourths pounds; value of wool produced, $2,220 35.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Montgomery
Montgomery, a post-township of Hampden co., Mass., on the Western railroad, about 14 miles N. W. from Springfield. Pop., 395.
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.

Montgomery was strictly an agricultural town, and its inhabitants depend heavily upon the soil for support. In 1865, 62 farms were recorded employing 85 people.

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Around 1874, the Westfield Reservoir was built on Moose Meadow Brook. This eliminated the existing grist and sawmill and Moore’s whip shop. (Montgomery, MA)

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1879 - (Montgomery, MA) - Mrs. Avery arrested for murder
A sensational incident in the history of the town came to light in January, 1879, when Mrs. Louisa Avery was arrested and charged with murder for the death of Mrs. Betsey Wright, an aged, town pauper. Mrs. Avery had taken Mrs. Wright in, at the town’s expense. It was alleged that Mrs. Avery had whipped Mrs. Wright to death in a fit of rage.
gatewayhilltownhistory.com/Gateway_Hilltown_History/Montgomery.html

1890 Montgomery Massachusetts
Montgomery is a small, mountainous and exclusively farming town on the Westfield River, in the northwesterly part of Hampden County, 115 miles from Boston by the Boston and Albany Railroad, which follows the Westfield River along the southwestern line of the town. The station is Russell. Montgomery village is near the centre of the town.

Huntington forms the boundary on the northwest and north; Southampton adjoins it in a deeply serrated line on the northeast; Westfield lies on the southeast, and Russell on the southwest, separated by Westfield River. The assessed area is 8,603 acres,— 3,374 acres being woodland. There is much wild and picturesque scenery. Bungy Hill in the northeast, Tekoa Hill in the southwest, and Rock Hill on the northwest border, are the highest elevations. Moose-meadow, Shatterack, Bear-den and Roaring brooks, affluents of the Westfield River, rising within the town, are the principal streams.

There are 62 farms, whose aggregate product, in 1885, had the... Read MORE...

1895 - Montgomery
Montgomery, a post-township of Hampden co., Mass, on the Boston & Albany Railroad, about 16 miles N.W. of Springfield. It is bounded on the W. by the Westfield River. It contains 2 churches. Pop. 304.
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
Montgomery, a post-township (town) of Hampden co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., about 16 miles NW. of Springfield. Pop. in 1900, 273.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Montgomery:
Tolland State Forest: This state forest, which partly extends into Montgomery, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and birdwatching in the summer. In the winter, it's a great place for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Hike the Appalachian Trail: Montgomery is one of the few places in Massachusetts where the Appalachian Trail passes through. You can take a day hike on this famous trail and enjoy the stunning views and serene wilderness.

Tolland Falls: A hidden gem in Montgomery, Tolland Falls is a small, secluded waterfall. It's a fantastic spot for a peaceful picnic and some quiet contemplation.

Berkshire East Mountain Resort: Just a short drive away, this resort offers year-round adventure. In the summer, you can go zip-lining, mountain biking, and enjoy their mountain coaster. In the winter, there's skiing and snowboarding.

Leaf Peeping: If you visit in the fall, the Berkshires region is known for its breathtaking... Read MORE...