History of Wales, Massachusetts, USA

1726 - Wales is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Wales
Wales, Massachusetts
Hampden county. This town is watered by a branch of Quinnebaug river, and has a considerable water power. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil affords good pasturage. Here is a woolen mill, and manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, axes, hatchets, palm-leaf hats, &c.: annual value, about $70,000. Wales is 67 miles W.S.W. from Boston and 17 E. by S. from Springfield. Population, 1837, 738.
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 - WALES. [Pop. 686. Inc. 1762.]
This town, formerly the south part of Brimfield, was named after one of its principal citizens, and not after the Principality.

One of the sources of the Quinebaug issues from a pond in this town.

Some woollen cloth, boots and shoes, are manufactured here.

Distance from Springfield, 20 miles; from Boston, 67.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Wales
Wales, a post-village in Hampden co., Massachusetts, 65 miles W. S. W. from Boston, contains 2 or 3 churches and several factories. Population of the township, 711.
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 Wales Massachusetts
Wales is a small mountainous town of 853 inhabitants, 166 dwelling-houses, and a valuation of $ 282,754, in the southeast section of Hampden County, and 93 miles southeast of Boston. The nearest railroad station is that of the New London and Northern Railroad, in Monson. Brimfield (from which it was taken) lies on the north, Holland on the east, Stafford and Union, Conn., on the south, and Monson on the west. Mount Hitchcock, in the northwest corner of the town, rises to the height of 1,190 feet, and commands a prospect of remarkable extent and beauty. A fine expanse of water, called "Wale's Pond," sends a tributary northward to the Quinebaug River; and other streams flow from the highlands into Chicopee River. Though small, these rivulets are rapid, and furnish motive power for several mills. There were in the town at one time five woollen and several saw mills and one silk manufactory; there are now two woollen mills, employing, in June, 1885, 194 persons. There were several other... Read MORE...

1895 - Wales
Wales, a post-village in Wales township, Hampden co., Mass., 7 miles S.E. of Monson Station, and about 22 miles E. by S. of Springfield. It has 2 churches, a savings bank, and manufactures of woollen goods. Pop. of the township, 1020.
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
Wales, a post-village in Wales (township) town, Hampden co., Mass., about 22 miles E. by S. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 773.
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 things to do and places to visit in Wales:
Holland Pond: This picturesque pond in Wales is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. It's a great place to relax by the water, have a picnic, or cast a line and try your luck at catching some fish.

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in nearby Monson, the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary offers nature enthusiasts a chance to explore diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and meadows. There are well-maintained trails for hiking and birdwatching, making it a serene place to connect with nature.

Hiking and Trail Riding: Wales is known for its beautiful hiking trails and scenic landscapes. The Tantiusques Reservation and Bigelow Hollow State Park, both within a short drive, offer a variety of hiking and trail riding opportunities. The scenery is particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold.

Snowmobiling: In the winter, you can enjoy snowmobiling on the numerous snowmobile trails that crisscross the region. It's a... Read MORE...