History of Montague, Massachusetts, USA

1715 - Montague is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1753 - The town of Montague is incorporated

1839 - Montague
Montague, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town is on the E. bank of Connecticut river, opposite to Deerfield, and united to that town by a bridge. Turner's Falls, at the northerly part of the town, are more interesting than any in the state, and probably as much so as any in New England. The canal for passing these falls, 3 miles in length and 75 feet lockage, with an immense dam across the river, greatly facilitates the navigation on Connecticut river. This place has a great water power, and promises peculiar advantages to the manufacturing interest. The scenery around this place is romantic and beautiful, and to the lovers of antiquarian lore, full of interesting associations.

It lies 80 miles W. by N. from Boston and 7 S.E. from Greenfield. Incorporated, 1753. Population, in 1837, 1,260.
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 - MONTAGUE. [Pop. 1,255. Inc. 1753.]
Before it was incorporated, the northern part of Montague belonged
to the State, and the southern part to Sunderland.

Saw-mill River, a small branch of the Connecticut, waters the south
part of the town. In the northwest is a caned, three miles long, by
which lumber and goods pass round Turner's Falls, which obstruct the Connecticut. Lumber and building-stone abound, but the manufactures are not extensive.

Distance from Greenfield, 7 miles ; from Boston, 80.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Montague
MONTAGUE was incorporated as a town in 1753. Before that time, the southern part belonged to the town of Sunderland, and the northern part belonged to the state. It is about 6 miles square. The general face of the town is uneven, the soil various; a range of highlands in the easterly part of the town, the parts of which are designated by different names, Harvey’s Hill, Chesnut Hill, Bald Hill, Pine Hill, Quarry Hill, &c. South westerly from the present center of the town there is a hill called Taylor Hill. The northerly part consists of pine plains; on the west of the town, bordering upon the Connecticut. there is quite an extensive tract of meadow land, of a good quality for cultivation. There is aJso upon the Saw mill river, which takes its rise from Lock’s Pond, Shuteshury, considerable meadow land. This river enters the town of Montague near the south east corner, and winds its way in a north-westerly direction, passing northerly of the center of the town, and empties itself into... Read MORE...

1854 - Montague
Montague, a post-township of Franklin co., Mass., on the Connecticut river, and on the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, about 36 miles N. from Springfield. Pop., 1518.
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.

Montague Massachusetts, 1890
Montague is a prosperous manufacturing and farming town lying on the east side of the Connecticut River near the centre of Franklin County. It is 97 miles northwest of Boston by the Fitchburg Railroad, which has stations at Miller's Falls, Montague (centre), Montague City and Turner's Falls. The New London and Northern Railroad runs through the town north and south, having stations at South Montague, Montague Centre and Miller's Falls. The post-offices are Lake Pleasant and the villages mentioned, except South Montague. Other villages are Grant's Corner and Lock's Village.

The town is bounded on the north by Gill and Erving, east by Wendell, south by Leverett and Sunderland, and west by Deerfield and Greenfield. The Connecticut River separates it from the two latter towns, and, by a bend, from Gill on the north. Miller's River divides it from Erving on the northeast, entering the larger river at its turn northward at the northeastern angle of Montague. The assessed area is 16,500... Read MORE...

1893 - MILLERS FALLS MAN FROZEN TO DEATH.
James Conlon of Millers Falls was found dead yesterday sitting in a hole in a pile of lumber owned by the Millers Falls company. His body was frozen stiff when found by a boy named Donovan. Conlon was last seen alive Sunday afternoon but a few rods from his house. He had been hunting and was under the influence of liquor. He undoubtedly sat down where he was found, fell asleep and was frozen to death. He was 25 and unmarried.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
December 8, 1893

1895 - Montague
Montague, a post-village in Montague township, Franklin co., Mass., on the New London Northern Rail road and the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, 52 miles W. of Fitchburg, and 4 or 5 miles S.E. of Greenfield. It has a high school, and 4 churches. The township is bounded on the W. by the Connecticut River, and has extensive manufactures of cutlery, paper, and other articles. It contains villages named Turner's Falls and Miller's Falls. Pop. of the township, in 1890, 6296.
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
Montague, a post-township (town) of Franklin co., Mass., on the Central Vermont R., 52 miles W. of Fitchburg. The town is bounded on the W. by the Connecticut River, includes Turners Falls and other villages and has extensive manufactures. Pop. of the town in 1900, 6150.
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 - TOURING CAR WAS UPSET. Man and Three Women Pinned in Wreckage at Montague - One woman Has Arm Broken.
A touring party passing through Montague had quite a serious accident yesterday. While climbing the Mill river hill there was not sufficient power, and the machine began to slip back. The driver lost control and the car ran backward and capsized. The occupants, a man and three women, were locked in their seats and buried under the automobile. The woman who was driving had her arm broken in several places. Dr. E. A. Dean of Montague attended them and they were taken to the hotel at Montague. A telephone message was sent to the manufacturers of the automobile, who sent men to right the machine which was started off again to Orange about noon.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
June 23, 1907

1907 - TURNERS FALLS
Anthony Redling had the first two fingers of his right hand crushed in a rag-cutting machine yesterday morning while at work in the Esleeck mill. Amputation at the first joint was performed by Dr. Leary.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
June 25, 1907

1909 - LUMBER KING KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT
TURNER FALLS, Mass., Aug. 8. - George Van Dyke of Lancaster, N.H., one of the best-known lumbermen in New England and his chauffeur, were fatally injured when their automobile plunged over a cliff in the Connecticut river at Riverside today. Both died of their injuries. Mr. Van Dyke was known as the lumber king of New England.
Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph
Colorado Springs, Colorado
August 9, 1909

1938 - OFFICER INJURED AT TURNERS FALLS - John Richardson Suffers Broken Leg While Investigating Accident
Turner Falls, June 11. — Special Officer John Richason was badly injured shortly before midnight last night when he was struck by a car on the state road to Millers Falls. The car was going to Millers Falls and was driven by Albert Giknis of Fourth street, this town, who was taking some friends to Millers Falls, from the high school dance. There had previously been an accident and Officers Richason and Walter Casey were investigating it when Officer Richason was injured.

A car owned by William Baker of Millers Falls and driven by John Kopee of that town with three other passengers was headed towards Turners Falls when it was struck by a car owned and driven by Robert H. Brown of Griswoldville. The accident was caused by a tire blowout on the Brown car. There were four passengers in the Brown car and all were shaken and bruised. The most severely injured was Miss Mary Muha of H street whose jaw struck the windshield of the Brown car. She suffered lacerations and there is a possible... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Montague:
Montague Bookmill:

Start your visit at the Montague Bookmill, a unique bookstore set in a historic gristmill. Browse through the vast collection of new and used books while enjoying the picturesque views of the Sawmill River.

Turner's Falls Historic District:

Explore the Turner's Falls Historic District, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Take a stroll down Avenue A and discover charming shops, galleries, and cafes.

Unity Park:

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Unity Park, located along the Connecticut River. It's a great spot for a picnic, a leisurely walk, or simply to unwind while watching the river flow.

Great Falls Discovery Center:

Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Connecticut River watershed at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Interactive exhibits and educational programs make it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Power Canal:

Take a walk along the Power Canal, a historic waterway that once powered the mills ... Read MORE...