History of Washington, Massachusetts, USA

1760 - Washington is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1777 - Washington is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Washington
Washington, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This mountainous town is watered by branches of Westfield and Housatonick rivers. The soil is well adapted for grazing. In 1837, 5,209 sheep were sheared in the town, producing 15,627 pounds of wool, principally merino. There is found in this town a porous quartz, which is used as buhr stones, for mill stones; and is remarkable for resisting heat. Washington was incorporated in 1777. It is 122 miles W. from Boston and S.E. from Lenox. Population, 1837, 758.
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 - WASHINGTON. [Pop. 991. Inc. 1777.]
This town is one of the many hundreds that show the veneration with which the name of the Father of his Country is every where regarded by this grateful nation; but this town, in point of time, is behind few or none of them.

The whole township is mountainous, and watered by sources of the Housatonic and Westfield River, and the soil is well adapted for grazing.

Distance from Lenox, 8 miles; from Boston, 120.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Washington
Washington, a post-village in Berkshire CO., Massachusetts, on the Western railroad, 138 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population of the township, 953.
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 Washington Massachusetts
Washington is a town of large territory and irregular form, situated on the Green Mountain range, in the central part of Berkshire County, 138 miles from Boston and 13 miles from Pittsfield, — having communication with both by means of the Boston and Albany Railroad, which crosses the northeastern section. The Washington summit on the line of this road is 1,456 feet above Boston mean-tide.

On the north are Pittsfield, Dalton, Hinsdale and Peru; on the east Hinsdale, Middlefield and Becket; on the south, the latter and Lee; the last also on the southwest; and on the west are Lenox and Pittsfield. The assessed area is 23,650, — which is, probably, some 2,000 less than the actual extent. There are 12,355 acres of forest, composed of beech, birch, maple, spruce and hemlock. In 1870 there were nine small water-power and one steam-power saw mills in the town; but at present only one small water-mill is reported. Great quantities of charcoal have been manufactured here. The land is very... Read MORE...

1895 - Washington
Washington, a post-hamlet in Washington township, Berkshire co, Mass., on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 13 miles S.E. of Pittsfield. Pop. of the township, 603.
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
Washington, a post-township (town) of Berkshire co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., 13 miles SE. of Pitts- field. Pop. in 1900, 377.
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 and around Washington, Massachusetts:
Beartown State Forest: Nature lovers will find this 12,000-acre state forest a paradise for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. There are several well-marked trails, including the Benedict Pond Loop and the 2.5-mile long Benedict Pond Trail. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

October Mountain State Forest: Just a short drive from Washington, this state forest is the largest in Massachusetts and offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. There are miles of scenic trails to explore, including the Appalachian Trail.

Benedict Pond: This serene, clear pond within Beartown State Forest is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Galleries and Studios: The Berkshires region is known for its thriving arts scene. You can explore local art galleries and studios featuring the work of talented artists in the area. Consider visiting places... Read MORE...