History of Monson, Massachusetts, USA

1715 - Monson is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Monson
Monson, Massachusetts
Hampden county. Monson was taken from Brimfield in 1760. It lies 73 miles S.W. by W. from Boston and 13 E. from Springfield. Population, 1837, 2,179. This is a pleasant town of variegated surface, good soil and well watered by Chickopee river. It contains a flourishing academy. There are 3 cotton mills in Monson, and other manufactures. The value of cotton goods manufactured in the year ending April 1, 1837, was $67,500.
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 - MONSON. [Pop. 2,151. Inc. 1760.]
Monson was once a part of Brimfield.

The Chicopee hounds the town on the north, and a small branch of it affords excellent water power.

The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen goods.

Distance from Springfield, 13 miles ; from Boston, 74.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Monson
This town was originally a part of Brimfield. About one ninth of the proprietors of that town settled in this part of the township. The first house east of Springfield was erected more than 140 years ago within the present limits of this town. The name of the man who first planted himself here was Fellis. The general court granted him 200 acres of land, on condition that he would erect and keep a house of entertainment for travellers passing between Springfield and Brookfield. The man continued awhile, but soon returned to Springfield on account of alarm from the Indians. Although he did not entirely fulfil the conditions of the grant, yet he held and sold the land. It afterwards came into the possession of Governor Hutchinson's family. Of the above mentioned proprietors who settled within the present limits of Monson, were Robert Olds, (as early as 1715,) Ezra and Samuel King, Benjamin Munn, John Keep, John Atchenson, Mark Ferry, Daniel Killam, Obadiah Cooley, and Samuel Kilborn. On... Read MORE...

1854 - Monson
Monson, a post-township of Hampden co., Massachusetts, on the Chickopee river, about 20 miles E. from Springfield, contains a manufacturing village on the New London Willimantic and Palmer railroad. Pop., 2831.
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.

1868 - A man in Monson, Mass., has an apple tree which bears this year about two barrels of apples, half of which are Baldwins, and the other half of the Russet variety, interspersed on each limb in just about equal proportions.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 21, 1868

1890 Monson Massachusetts
Monson is a very large and beautiful town in the southeasterly part of Hampden County, 80 miles west by southwest of Boston. The Boston and Albany Railroad follows the northern line, having its Palmer station at the middle point; while the New London and Northern Railroad runs conveniently through the midst of the town, north and south, having here three stations.

The boundaries are Palmer on the north, Brimfield and Wales on the east, Wilbraham on the west, and Stafford, in Connecticut, on the south. Its boundary lines are straight, except on the north, and its length north and south is about twice its width. It embraces 54 square miles; its assessed area being 25,504 acres. There are 7,181 acres of forest.

Moon Mountain, in the west, is a handsome eminence, and Peaked Mountain in the southwest rises to the height of 1,278 feet. A narrow valley abounding in rich meadows extends from north to south entirely through the township. Another valley in the southeast sends a tributary... Read MORE...

1895 - Monson
Monson, a post-village in Monson township, Hampden co., Mass., on the New London Northern Railroad, 4 miles S. of Palmer, and 15 miles E. of Springfield. It contains 3 churches, an academy, a national bank, a savings-bank, a large state school for the children of alien paupers, and manufactories of carriages, woollen, cotton, and straw goods. Fine granite is quarried here. The township is bounded on the N. by the Chicopee River. Pop. in 1890, 3650.
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
Monson, a banking post-township (town) of Hampden co., Mass., on the Central Vermont R., 15 miles E. of Springfield. It contains the Monson Academy and has manufactories of woollens and straw goods, etc. Fine granite is quarried here. The town is bounded on the N. by the Chicopee River. Pop. in 1900, 3402.
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

2023 - Whether you're into outdoor activities, historical sites, or just chilling out, Monson's got a little something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Peaked Mountain:

Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails at Peaked Mountain. The panoramic views from the summit are worth the trek. It's a great spot for a day hike, especially in the fall when the foliage is on fire.

Monson Free Library:

Check out the Monson Free Library if you're a bookworm or just looking for a quiet place to hang out. It's a cozy spot with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for some downtime.

Bravehearts Pub:

Get a taste of local flavor at Bravehearts Pub. It's a classic New England pub with good food, a laid-back vibe, and maybe a game of pool if you're up for it.

Quarry Hill Community School Playground:

If you're traveling with family, the Quarry Hill Community School Playground is a great spot to let the little ones burn off some energy. Swings, slides, and lots of space to play.

Monson Center:

Take a stroll through Monson Center to soak in the town's history. You'll find some charming old buildings and a glimpse into Monson's... Read MORE...