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History of Hinsdale, Massachusetts, USA
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Hinsdale, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA
Originally part of Northern Berkshire Township Number 2 and including all of Peru and parts of Middlefield and Dalton, the town was first settled in 1763 and officially incorporated as "Partridgefield" in 1771. Named for Oliver Partridge, one of the three purchasers of the town (along with Governor Francis Bernard), the Western Parish officially broke away from its eastern half and incorporated in 1804, renaming itself for the family of Rev. Theodore Hinsdale, who also owned an important woolen mill. The mill was the center of economic activity in town until the Great Depression, when it closed.
Hinsdale, along with neighboring Dalton, is home to two historic long-distance routes: the Appalachian Trail (a National Scenic Trail) and the Boston and Albany Railroad, on which operates the Lake Shore Limited passenger rail service that has run continuously from Boston to Chicago since 1897. The Hinsdale train depot located in the town center was closed in 1954, and the actual intersection of the two corridors lies at the also decommissioned train depot just north in Dalton.
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Hinsdale Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Hinsdale: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1763 - Hinsdale is settled
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
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1804 - Hinsdale is incorporated
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
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1839 - Hinsdale
Hinsdale, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. Hinsdale is the source of a branch of Housatonick river. It is an elevated township, and well adapted for grazing.—There are two woolen mills in Hinsdale, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, chairs, and cabinet ware: total amount in one year $86,550. The value of 11,020 fleeces of wool, sheared in Hinsdale in 1837, weighing 32,116 pounds, was $19,226. This town was incorporated in 1804. Population, 1837, 832. It lies 125 miles W. from Boston and 15 N.N.W. from Lenox.
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. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
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1845 - HINSDALE. [Pop. 955. Inc. 1804]
Hinsdale is composed of portions of Dalton and Peru, and was named after its first minister.
A source of the Housatonic waters the town, whose elevated soil
is adapted to grazing.
A considerable quantity of wool is raised and manufactured here.
Distance from Lenox, 15 miles ; from Boston, 124.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
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1854 - Hinsdale
Hinsdale, a post-township of Berkshire co., Mass., on the Western railroad, 143 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 1253.
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.
1871 - Boiler Explodes
A locomotive exploded its boiler near Hinsdale, on the Boston & Albany Railroad a few nights ago, scalding five men, two of whom, Engineer Hustard and Joseph H. Eustace, of Boston, have since died.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 28, 1871
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Hinsdale Massachusetts, 1890
Hinsdale is a farming town of varied and beautiful scenery in the eastern half of the middle section of Berkshire County, 143 miles west of Boston by the Boston and Albany Railroad, which runs through the midst of the town from the southeast. The station, post-office and village are a little north of the centre of the town. Its boundaries are Dalton and Windsor on the north, Peru on the east, Washington on the south, and the latter and Dalton on the west. The assessed area is 13,745 acres; and of this 3,606 acres are forest, consisting of maple, beech, birch, spruce and hemlock.
The town is elevated, generally level, with hills about its borders, from which gather the brooks, forming near the centre a large stream that furnishes motive power sufficient for several mills. Near the centre is Ashmun Pond, containing some 400 acres, fed by two small brooks and a mineral spring at the west of it. Brown iron ore, and the minerals apatite and zoisite, are found in the town. The soil is... Read MORE...
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1895 - Hinsdale
Hinsdale, a post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Hinsdaie township, on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 45 miles N.W. of Springfield, and 8 miles E. of Pittsfield. It has 3 churches, a high school, a public library, basket-factories, and a woollen-mill. Pop. of the township, 1739.
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
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1916
Hinsdale, a post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Hinsdale township (town), on the Boston and Albany R., 15 miles N W. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1485.
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
1927 - Flood
...Cellars were flooded, roads were under water and dams were reported near the breaking point at Hinsdale, Mass...
The Oelwein Daily Register
Iowa
November 4, 1927
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2023 - Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in and around Hinsdale:
1. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail:
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Berkshires by taking a stroll or biking along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The trail spans 11 miles and offers picturesque views of Cheshire Reservoir. It's a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
2. Hinsdale Flats:
If you're into birdwatching or just want a peaceful spot for a picnic, Hinsdale Flats is the place to be. The flats are a local hotspot for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the tranquility.
3. Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary:
Head over to nearby Pittsfield to explore Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a serene spot with well-maintained trails that take you through wetlands and woodlands. Perfect for a quiet day of hiking and wildlife observation.
4. Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum:
History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Lenox. Learn about the region's railroad history and maybe even take a scenic... Read MORE...
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