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History of Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Explore Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Williamstown Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Williamstown, Berkshire, MA
In 1750 the General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony, wanting to encourage permanent settlement in the western parts, passed legislation that in order to incorporate, and for settlers to gain title to their cleared lands, a town must have a settled pastor. That same year, the first lots were sold in the newly surveyed West Hoosuck plantation, which later became Williamstown.
williamstownhistoricalmuseum.org
Williamstown includes: Sandsprings, Sherwood, Sweet's Corner, White Oaks, Beechdale, Blackinton, Buxton, Card's Corner, Charityville, Colesville, Goodell Hollow, The Hopper, and Riverside.
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Williamstown Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Williams College
Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
The Greylock
Henry N. Teauge, Lessee
Field Park and West Main Street
Williamstown, Mass.
Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
The Falls, Williamstown, Mass., 1907
Discover Williamstown: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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In 1798, the Legislature of Massachusetts granted two townships of land to Williams College, located at Williams town, Mass.
The present towns of Garland and Lee, both situated in the present county of Penobscot, were the townships granted.
History of Garland, Maine by Lyndon Oak, Dover, Maine, The Observer Publishing Co., 1912
The present towns of Garland and Lee, both situated in the present county of Penobscot, were the townships granted.
History of Garland, Maine by Lyndon Oak, Dover, Maine, The Observer Publishing Co., 1912
1839 - Williamstown
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This town is situated in a large and fertile valley, surrounded by romantic elevations and watered by Hoosack and Green rivers. These beautiful streams unite their hydraulic powers and fertilizing qualities, to render this remote valley a scene of competence and peace, and a delightful retreat for the muses.
Williamstown lies at the N.W. corner of the state, on the lines of Vermont and New York; 135 miles W. by N. from Boston, 27 N. from Lenox, and 36 E. by N. from Albany, N.Y. It was incorporated in 1765. Population, 1837, 1,981.
There are 1 cotton and 2 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of potatoe starch, cabinet ware, chairs, palm-leaf hats, shovels, hats, leather, &c.: annual value about $75,000.
The number of sheep in this flourishing agricultural town, in the year 1837, was 8,000—viz: 2,000 Saxony, 5,800 Merino, and 200 common. The fleeces of these sheep weighed 23,200 lbs., and sold for $13,965.
The village in... Read MORE...
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This town is situated in a large and fertile valley, surrounded by romantic elevations and watered by Hoosack and Green rivers. These beautiful streams unite their hydraulic powers and fertilizing qualities, to render this remote valley a scene of competence and peace, and a delightful retreat for the muses.
Williamstown lies at the N.W. corner of the state, on the lines of Vermont and New York; 135 miles W. by N. from Boston, 27 N. from Lenox, and 36 E. by N. from Albany, N.Y. It was incorporated in 1765. Population, 1837, 1,981.
There are 1 cotton and 2 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of potatoe starch, cabinet ware, chairs, palm-leaf hats, shovels, hats, leather, &c.: annual value about $75,000.
The number of sheep in this flourishing agricultural town, in the year 1837, was 8,000—viz: 2,000 Saxony, 5,800 Merino, and 200 common. The fleeces of these sheep weighed 23,200 lbs., and sold for $13,965.
The village in... Read MORE...
1845 - WILLIAMSTOWN. [Pop. 2,153. Inc. 1765.]
This town, once called West Hoosick, was named after Colonel Ephraim Williams, a native of Newton, in Middlesex county, who bequeathed a sum of monev, which led to the foundation of Williams' College, in 1793.
The town is situated on the Hoosick, and on Green River, one of its branches.
The surface is elevated, and the Taconic range separates the town from New York.
The land is generally good for grazing or tillage. Some cotton and woollen goods are made, but agriculture is the main business of this beautiful town.
Distance from Lenox, 25 miles; from Boston, 135.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!
This town, once called West Hoosick, was named after Colonel Ephraim Williams, a native of Newton, in Middlesex county, who bequeathed a sum of monev, which led to the foundation of Williams' College, in 1793.
The town is situated on the Hoosick, and on Green River, one of its branches.
The surface is elevated, and the Taconic range separates the town from New York.
The land is generally good for grazing or tillage. Some cotton and woollen goods are made, but agriculture is the main business of this beautiful town.
Distance from Lenox, 25 miles; from Boston, 135.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!
1846 - Stage Accident.
The Pittsfield Sun states that a bridge near Williamston broke down on Monday evening, precipitating a stage load of eleven passengers 8 or 9 feet into the river. The coach was turned bottom up in its fall, but no one was killed, though all were considerably injured. Among the passengers were Judge Washburn, of Worcester, Rev. Dr. Prime, of New York, Rev. Dr. Davis, of Westfield, and Rev. Dr. Cooley of Granville, on their way to attend the Commencement exercises at Williams College.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 27, 1846
The Pittsfield Sun states that a bridge near Williamston broke down on Monday evening, precipitating a stage load of eleven passengers 8 or 9 feet into the river. The coach was turned bottom up in its fall, but no one was killed, though all were considerably injured. Among the passengers were Judge Washburn, of Worcester, Rev. Dr. Prime, of New York, Rev. Dr. Davis, of Westfield, and Rev. Dr. Cooley of Granville, on their way to attend the Commencement exercises at Williams College.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 27, 1846
1850 - CATTLE KILLED BY LIGHTNING.
Five yearlings, belonging to Mr. D. A. Bulkley, of Williamstown, were killed by lightning, on Monday morning, the 27th ult. They were standing in different places, from ten to forty feet from a tree, but the tree was only injured slightly at the roots. No traces of the electric fluid from one animal to another could be found, but where each fess there was a large hole in the ground. There were also two holes on the opposite of the tree, supposed to be made by electric currents.
Northampton Gazette.
The Semi-Weekly Eagle
Brattleboro, Vermont
June 6, 1850
Five yearlings, belonging to Mr. D. A. Bulkley, of Williamstown, were killed by lightning, on Monday morning, the 27th ult. They were standing in different places, from ten to forty feet from a tree, but the tree was only injured slightly at the roots. No traces of the electric fluid from one animal to another could be found, but where each fess there was a large hole in the ground. There were also two holes on the opposite of the tree, supposed to be made by electric currents.
Northampton Gazette.
The Semi-Weekly Eagle
Brattleboro, Vermont
June 6, 1850
1854 - Williamstown
Williamstown, a pleasant post-village of Berkshire co., Massachusetts, about 120 miles N. W. by W. from Boston. It is the seat of Williams College, a flourishing institution, founded in 1793. The institution comprises 4 brick buildings for the accommodation of the students, a library building, an astronomical and a magnetic observatory, and a chemical laboratory. The three last have been completed within a few years. Important additions have recently been made to the chemical and philosophical apparatus. The institution is endowed to the amount of about $75,000. Population of the township, 2020.
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.
Williamstown, a pleasant post-village of Berkshire co., Massachusetts, about 120 miles N. W. by W. from Boston. It is the seat of Williams College, a flourishing institution, founded in 1793. The institution comprises 4 brick buildings for the accommodation of the students, a library building, an astronomical and a magnetic observatory, and a chemical laboratory. The three last have been completed within a few years. Important additions have recently been made to the chemical and philosophical apparatus. The institution is endowed to the amount of about $75,000. Population of the township, 2020.
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.
1869 - Young Sears, the richest boy in America, who has been attending school at South Williamstown, Mass., was, it is said, killed on the 16th, while coasting, having slid against a rock by which his brains were dashed out.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 30, 1869
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 30, 1869
Williamstown Massachusetts, 1890
Williamstown forms the northwestern extremity of Berkshire County and of the State. It is noted as the seat of Williams College, and contains 3,729 inhabitants. The town is about 140 miles west by northwest of Boston, and some 25 miles north of Pittsfield. The Fitchburg Railroad has stations at Blackinton on the northeast border, and at Williamstown (North). These, with South Blackinton and Sweet's Corners, Are the post-offices; and the other villages are Beechdale, Coleville, Slab City and North Williamstown.
The town is bounded on the east by North Adams and Adams, south by New Ashford and Hancock, west by Berlin and Petersburgh in New York, and north by Pownal in Vermont. The assessed area is 28,184 acres; of which 9,594 are forests. About the town on every side are lofty mountains. Mount Hazen, in Clarksburg, on the northeastern border, rises to the height of 2,272 feet; Greylock, the highest elevation in the State, lifts his head to an altitude of 3,565 feet, in the southeast; ... Read MORE...
Williamstown forms the northwestern extremity of Berkshire County and of the State. It is noted as the seat of Williams College, and contains 3,729 inhabitants. The town is about 140 miles west by northwest of Boston, and some 25 miles north of Pittsfield. The Fitchburg Railroad has stations at Blackinton on the northeast border, and at Williamstown (North). These, with South Blackinton and Sweet's Corners, Are the post-offices; and the other villages are Beechdale, Coleville, Slab City and North Williamstown.
The town is bounded on the east by North Adams and Adams, south by New Ashford and Hancock, west by Berlin and Petersburgh in New York, and north by Pownal in Vermont. The assessed area is 28,184 acres; of which 9,594 are forests. About the town on every side are lofty mountains. Mount Hazen, in Clarksburg, on the northeastern border, rises to the height of 2,272 feet; Greylock, the highest elevation in the State, lifts his head to an altitude of 3,565 feet, in the southeast; ... Read MORE...
1895 - Williamstown
Williamstown, a post-village of Berkshire co, Mass., in Williamstown township, on the Hoosac River, and on the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel & Western and Troy & Boston Rail roads, 5 miles W. of North Adams, and 24 miles (direct) E. of Troy, which is 43 miles distant by railroad. It is in a fertile valley which is "grandly mountain-walled" and is noted for beautiful scenery. It contains a large hotel, 3 churches, a high school, and a cotton-factory. Williamstown is the seat of Williams College (Congregational), which was founded in 1793, has about 25 instructors, and a library of over 30,000 volumes. This college occupies several brick and stone buildings, one of which is an astronomical observatory. Pop. of the township in 1890, 4221.
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
Williamstown, a post-village of Berkshire co, Mass., in Williamstown township, on the Hoosac River, and on the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel & Western and Troy & Boston Rail roads, 5 miles W. of North Adams, and 24 miles (direct) E. of Troy, which is 43 miles distant by railroad. It is in a fertile valley which is "grandly mountain-walled" and is noted for beautiful scenery. It contains a large hotel, 3 churches, a high school, and a cotton-factory. Williamstown is the seat of Williams College (Congregational), which was founded in 1793, has about 25 instructors, and a library of over 30,000 volumes. This college occupies several brick and stone buildings, one of which is an astronomical observatory. Pop. of the township in 1890, 4221.
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
1904 - DORMITORY FIRE STARTED BY CIGARETTE. $20,000 DAMAGE TO A WILLIAMS COLLEGE BUILDING.
Williamstown, Mass., Nov. 24. - Morgan Hall, the largest and newest of the dormitories connected with Williams College, was damaged to the extent of $20,000 today by a fire that started from a cigarette dropped in a room on the second floor.
The Post Standard
Syracuse, New York
November 25, 1904
Williamstown, Mass., Nov. 24. - Morgan Hall, the largest and newest of the dormitories connected with Williams College, was damaged to the extent of $20,000 today by a fire that started from a cigarette dropped in a room on the second floor.
The Post Standard
Syracuse, New York
November 25, 1904
1906
Williamstown, a banking post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Williamstown township (town), on the Hoosac River and on the Boston and Maine R., 5 miles NW. of North Adams. It is in a fertile mountain-walled valley which is noted for its beautiful scenery. Williamstown is the seat of Williams College, which was opened in 1793, and had in 1903 an attendance of 423 students and a library containing about 55,000 volumes. Lat. of the Field Memorial Observatory, 42° 42' 30" N. ; Ion. 73° 12' 30" W. The town has bleaching- and finishing-works. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5013.
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
Williamstown, a banking post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Williamstown township (town), on the Hoosac River and on the Boston and Maine R., 5 miles NW. of North Adams. It is in a fertile mountain-walled valley which is noted for its beautiful scenery. Williamstown is the seat of Williams College, which was opened in 1793, and had in 1903 an attendance of 423 students and a library containing about 55,000 volumes. Lat. of the Field Memorial Observatory, 42° 42' 30" N. ; Ion. 73° 12' 30" W. The town has bleaching- and finishing-works. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5013.
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
1908 - WILLIAMSTOWN. BURNING OF ADAMS BLOCK. LOSS WILL BE ABOUT $25,000.
Blaze Starts From Unknown Came in Prindle's Restaurant.
The Adams block, one of the principal business blocks on Spring street, was very badly damaged by fire early yesterday morning, the blaze originating in the restaurant of Caleb Prindle in the north end of the building. The restaurant and the whole of the second floor, on which were Sons of Veteran's hall, a tailor shop and several vacant office rooms, were completely destroyed, while the store of Patrick J. Dempsey, grocer, on the first floor was partly burned and badly damaged by water, and the post-office in the south end also badly damaged by water. The block was valued at $20,000 and the loss is partly, if not wholly, covered by insurance. Mr. Dempsey, whose loss was not far from total, had a stock of goods valued at $3,000, on which he carried an insurance of $1000, which does not cover his loss, while on a piano in his store, valued at $650, owned by Harvey P. Cole, the former owner of the restaurant, and on the... Read MORE...
Blaze Starts From Unknown Came in Prindle's Restaurant.
The Adams block, one of the principal business blocks on Spring street, was very badly damaged by fire early yesterday morning, the blaze originating in the restaurant of Caleb Prindle in the north end of the building. The restaurant and the whole of the second floor, on which were Sons of Veteran's hall, a tailor shop and several vacant office rooms, were completely destroyed, while the store of Patrick J. Dempsey, grocer, on the first floor was partly burned and badly damaged by water, and the post-office in the south end also badly damaged by water. The block was valued at $20,000 and the loss is partly, if not wholly, covered by insurance. Mr. Dempsey, whose loss was not far from total, had a stock of goods valued at $3,000, on which he carried an insurance of $1000, which does not cover his loss, while on a piano in his store, valued at $650, owned by Harvey P. Cole, the former owner of the restaurant, and on the... Read MORE...
1918 - WILLIAMS COLLEGE HAS $50,000 FIRE.
Williamstown, Nov. 5. - Damage estimated at close to $50,000 was done to Jessup hall, one of the Williams college buildings, by a fire today that is supposed to be due to defective wiring. The buildings has been in use as officers' quarters for the college S.A.T.C. unit. The third floor was gutted and the lower floors were heavily damaged by smoke and water. The student body did good service as fire fighters. The health board's quarantine on the town was hastily removed to allow the entrance of the North Adams fire department. The building was given to the college in 1890 by MORRIS K. JESUP of New York.
Lowell Sun
Lowell, Massachusetts
November 5, 1918
Williamstown, Nov. 5. - Damage estimated at close to $50,000 was done to Jessup hall, one of the Williams college buildings, by a fire today that is supposed to be due to defective wiring. The buildings has been in use as officers' quarters for the college S.A.T.C. unit. The third floor was gutted and the lower floors were heavily damaged by smoke and water. The student body did good service as fire fighters. The health board's quarantine on the town was hastily removed to allow the entrance of the North Adams fire department. The building was given to the college in 1890 by MORRIS K. JESUP of New York.
Lowell Sun
Lowell, Massachusetts
November 5, 1918
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Williamstown:
Clark Art Institute:
Start your journey with a visit to the Clark Art Institute, a world-renowned art museum. The collection spans centuries and continents, featuring pieces from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The picturesque setting and stunning architecture make it a must-see.
Williams College Museum of Art:
Another gem for art enthusiasts, the Williams College Museum of Art showcases contemporary and historical works. It's a great place to explore diverse artistic expressions.
The Williamstown Theatre Festival:
If you're a fan of the performing arts, make sure to check out the Williamstown Theatre Festival. This renowned summer theater festival attracts top-notch actors and playwrights, offering a memorable cultural experience.
Hopkins Memorial Forest:
Nature lovers, rejoice! Hopkins Memorial Forest is a haven for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The trails are well-maintained, and the forest is home to diverse flora and fauna. It's a peaceful... Read MORE...
Clark Art Institute:
Start your journey with a visit to the Clark Art Institute, a world-renowned art museum. The collection spans centuries and continents, featuring pieces from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The picturesque setting and stunning architecture make it a must-see.
Williams College Museum of Art:
Another gem for art enthusiasts, the Williams College Museum of Art showcases contemporary and historical works. It's a great place to explore diverse artistic expressions.
The Williamstown Theatre Festival:
If you're a fan of the performing arts, make sure to check out the Williamstown Theatre Festival. This renowned summer theater festival attracts top-notch actors and playwrights, offering a memorable cultural experience.
Hopkins Memorial Forest:
Nature lovers, rejoice! Hopkins Memorial Forest is a haven for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The trails are well-maintained, and the forest is home to diverse flora and fauna. It's a peaceful... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Williamstown Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
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