History of West Brookfield, Massachusetts, USA

1664 - West Brookfield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1848 - West Brookfield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1854 - West Brookfield
West Brookfield, a post-township of Worcester co., Mass., on the Western railroad, 69 miles W. by S. from Boston. Pop., 1314.
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 West Brookfield Massachusetts
West Brookfield is a picturesque and beautiful farming and manufacturing town lying in the southwestern part of Worcester County, 69 miles west of Boston by the Boston and Albany Railroad. It contains one handsome village, which has the post-office and the railway station for the town.

The territory is very irregular in form; being broad at the north, and tapering to a point at the south, serrate and convex on the north east and east, and concave on the west. New Braintree lies on the north; New Brookfield east of the main section; Brookfield, on the east, southeast and south; Warren on the southwest, but south of the western projection; and Ware on the west of the broad northern part. The assessed area is 12,138 acres. There are about 2,300 acres of oak and chestnut. At the pleasant village are many maple, elm, ash, spruce and horse-chestnut trees, some being of unknown antiquity. The village is further beautified by a shady common and adorned by a fountain. The town scenery is... Read MORE...

1895 - West Brookfield
West Brook'field, a post-village in West Brookfield township, Worcester co., Mass., on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 69 miles W. by S. of Boston, and 29 miles E.N.E. of Springfield. It has 2 churches and a corset-factory. The township is bounded on the W. by Ware River, and is partly drained by the Chicopee River. It has several manufactories of boots and shoes. Pop. of the township, 1903.
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
West Brookfield, a post-village in West Brookfield township (town), Worcester CO., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., 29 miles ENE. of Springfield. It has manufactures of corsets, fishing-rods, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900. 1448.
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

1907 - 1 DEAD, 5 INJURED IN WRECK. Passenger Express and Freight Trains in Head-On Collision
WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass., Nov. 9. - The Southwestern Express, No. 46, on the Boston & Albany Division of the New York Central Railroad, bound for Boston, collided head-on with a freight train near this station at 10:40 A. M. to-day. Charles Hyde of Boston, a brakeman on the express, was killed, and four other members of the express train crew and one passenger on the express were severely injured.

They are E. Patrick, conductor, of Boston, internally injured, probably fatally hurt; T. H. Smith, brakeman, Boston, right leg broken; A. A. Harris, cook, of Boston, right hand crushed and injured about the head.

Patrick Connor of Boston, fireman on the express, cut about the head and severe internal injuries; taken to Worcester City Hospital, condition dangerous. George A. Battersby of Boston, passenger on express; ribs broken and body badly burned.

The express was an hour late, and the engineer was taking advantage of the ten miles of level track before the Charlton Station.

A... Read MORE...

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in West Brookfield:
Explore the Historic District:
West Brookfield boasts a well-preserved historic district, with many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center to admire the architecture and soak in the historical ambiance.

Visit the West Brookfield Common:
The town common is a picturesque spot, perfect for a casual walk or a peaceful picnic. It's a great place to relax, surrounded by classic New England architecture and a sense of community.

Merrick Public Library:
For those interested in literature and local history, the Merrick Public Library is a gem. It's not just a place for books; it's a community hub where you can learn about the town's past and present.

Quaboag Historical Society:
Delve deeper into West Brookfield's history by visiting the Quaboag Historical Society. You'll find exhibits, artifacts, and knowledgeable locals who can share fascinating stories about the town's past.

Take a Hike in Dean Pond Recreation... Read MORE...