History of Athol, Massachusetts, USA

1735 - Athol is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1762 - Athol is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Athol
Athol, Massachusetts
Worcester county. The Indian name of this town was Paquoig. This pleasant place lies 60 miles W.N.W. from Boston, 28 N.W. from Worcester, and about 24 W. from Fitchburg. Miller's river is a fine stream, and affords Athol a great water power. The manufactures of Athol consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, paper, iron castings, scythes, ploughs, cabinet ware, machinery, straw bonnets, palm leaf hats, shoe pegs, harnesses, shoe and hat boxes, pails, sashes, doors, and blinds;—annual amount about $175,000. Incorporated, 1762. Population, 1837, 1,603.
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 - ATHOL. [Pop. 1,591 Inc. 1762.]
Poquoiag, the Indian name of this place, and of MUler's River, was retained until it was incorporated.

Miller's River receives Tully's River, which is a branch of it, in
this town, and both afford fine sites for factories.

The chief manufactures are cotton goods and boots and shoes.

Distance from Worcester, 32 miles ; from Boston, 70.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Athol
This town was granted to a company of 60 persons by the general court, previous to 1734, in which year, in June, the proprietors met at Concord, and, in presence of a committee of the general court, whereof the Hon. William Dudley was chairman, drew their house lots in the township of Peyqauge. This was the Indian name of the place, and it was known by this appellation until it was incorporated, in 1762.

This tract was a seat of the Indians, and at the time of its being granted was a frontier township, and greatly exposed; and the settlement of the place was obstructed by the French and Indian war, which commenced in 1744, and continued several years. Previously to the breaking out of that war several families had seated themselves here, but, for fear of the Indians, they were obliged, as other infant plantations, to live in garrisons several years, and to labor at their various occupations with their military armor by them. It is believed, however, that only one person was ever... Read MORE...

1854 - Athol
Athol, a post-township of Worcester county, Massachusetts, about 60 miles W. N. W. from Boston, intersected by Miller's river, which affords abundant water-power, and by the Vermont and Mass. railroad. It is noted for its manufactures of leather, machinery, %c. Population, 2033.
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.

Athol Massachusetts, 1890
Athol is a very active and flourishing town of 4,758 inhabitants and 1,116 dwelling-houses, lying in the northwesterly section of Worcester County, 83 miles from Boston by rail. The Fitchburg Railroad passes through Athol village ; where is also the terminus of the Springfield and Athol Railroad, connecting with southern towns. It is bounded on the north by Royalston, on the east by the same and Phillipston, on the southeast by Petersham, and on the west by New Salem and Orange. The post-offices are Athol (depot), Athol Centre and South Athol. The villages are these and Eaglesville, Partridgeville, Riceville and Wheelerville. The area is 20,411 acres, or about 36 square miles, including highways and water surfaces. About 7,523 acres are forest, mostly of pine, chestnut and oak. There are some old maple and elm trees along the highways ; and the town reports 11,606 fruit trees. The underlying rock is calcareous gneiss, in which occur specimens of allanite, fibrolite, epidote and... Read MORE...

1895 - Athol / Athol Depot
Athol, formerly Athol Depot, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass., on Miller's River, and on the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, at its junction with the Athol branch of the Boston & Albany Railroad, 48 miles N.N.E. of Springfield, and 33 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has a high school, 3 churches, 2 banks, 1 foundry, and manufactures of boots, shoes, woollen cloth, sash and blinds, furniture, billiard-tables, piano-cases, &c. Three weekly newspapers are published in Athol. It is about 1 mile from Athol Centre. Pop. of the township (1890), 6319.
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

1900 - BOX FACTORY AT SOUTH ATHOL BURNED.
H. H. Rice’s box factory at South Athol was destroyed by fire at 1 o’clock yesterday morning. The fire caught near the engine-room from an unknown cause. It was first observed by a passer-by who immediately called assistance; but the distance from a water supply and the rapid spread of the fire rendered it almost useless. Only the books in the office at the other end of the shop from which the fire caught were saved. The buildings and contents were valued at about $7000, and insured for about $6000. The factory was for the manufacture of wooden shoe boxes and employed 20 hands. It is probable that Mr. Rice will find temporary quarters at Athol, but the hope is expressed that he will rebuild at South Athol, as the shop is the only industry in that village.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
January 26, 1900

1907 - WRECK AT ATHOL.
Engine and Five Freight Cars Derailed - Wreck Crew Has Ten Hours Task Clearing Up.

The Boston & Maine wreck train was called out from this city early Sunday morning and the crew were given a 10 hours' task in clearing up a bad freight wreck which had occurred in the freight yards at Athol half an hour after midnight, in which a large freight locomotive tipped over and slid down a small embankment, five freight cars also jumping the rails, two of which tipped over with the locomotive. The derailing arrangement at the foot of a grade, which in some unexplainable manner had been set caused the accident. No one was seriously hurt and the locomotive or cars were not damaged to any great extent the chief damage being the fact that the west bound track of the main line was blocked by one of the derailed cars which had swung around across the track and remained there pending the arrival of the wrecking equipment.

The freight was bound from Boston to East Deerfield with an East Deerfield ... Read MORE...

1916
Athol, formerly Athol Depot, a banking post-village and township (town) of Worcester co., Mass., on Miller's River and on the Boston and Albany and the Fitchburg Rs., 33 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has manufactures of boots, shoes, woollen cloth, sash and blinds, silk, pocket-books, furniture, meat-choppers, etc. It is about 1 mile from Athol Center. Pop. of the town in 1900, 7061.

Athol Center, a post-village of Worcester oo., Mass., in Athol township (town), on Miller's River and on the Fitchburg R., 32 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has various manufactures. Pop. about 2200.
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 - Let's dive into some of the best spots and activities in Athol:
Tully Lake Campground:
If you're a nature enthusiast, Tully Lake Campground is a must-visit. Surrounded by lush greenery and the serenity of Tully Lake, it offers camping, hiking trails, and stunning views. Whether you're into hiking or just want to relax by the water, this place has it all.

Doane's Falls:
Nature lovers, this one's for you. Doane's Falls is a picturesque spot featuring a series of waterfalls on Lawrence Brook. It's a great place for a hike, photography, or simply unwinding amidst the soothing sound of cascading water.

Ellinwood Country Club:
Golf enthusiasts, rejoice! Ellinwood Country Club provides a beautiful and challenging 18-hole golf course. Whether you're a pro or just starting, the well-maintained grounds and friendly atmosphere make it a fantastic place to tee off.

Silver Lake:
Silver Lake is a gem for those who love water activities. You can go fishing, boating, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shores. It's a peaceful spot to spend a... Read MORE...