History of Florida, Massachusetts, USA

1783 - Florida is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1805 - Florida is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Florida
Florida, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. A mountainous township, 125 miles W. by N. from Boston, 27 N.N.E. from Lenox, and 7 E. from Adams. Florida is watered by Deerfield river and exhibits some fine Alpine scenery. Population, 1837, 457. Inc. 1805.
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 - FLORIDA. [Pop. 441. Inc. 1805.]
This mountainous town has an irregular surface, and a severe climate. It is composed of several grants.

Deerfield River forms the eastern boundary.

The inhabitants depend upon the produce of their dairies, and the raising of cattle.

Distance from Lenox, 27 miles ; from Boston, 125.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Florida
Florida, a post-township of Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Population, 661.
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.

1859
FLORIDA, a township in Berkshire co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 7 m. E of Adams. Pop. 441.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Florida Massachusetts, 1890
Florida is a mountainous and wooded town in the northeastern part of Berkshire County, intersected by the Fitchburg Railroad, whose station at Hoosac Tunnel, near Deer-field River, on the eastern line, is 135 miles from Boston. The territory is quite irregular in form, the western part extending to the Vermont line, while the square township of Monroe lies between the latter and the eastern part of Florida; on the east are Rowe and Charlemont; Savoy bounds it on the south, and North Adams on the west. The assessed area is 14,253 acres. Of this, 8,643 acres are forest, consisting of hard and soft wood (spruce and hemlock) in about equal proportions. The underlying rock is calcareous gneiss and the Quebec group, with talcose slate; while flint bowlders are numerous. The town is finely watered by the Deerfield River, which forms a large portion of the eastern line, separating it from Rowe; by Fife Brook, which flows from the northwest to southeast through the midst of the town; and by... Read MORE...

1895 - Florida
Florida, a post-township of Berkshire co, Mass, is bounded on the E. by the Deerfield River, and traversed by the Hoosac Tunnel. It contains a village named Hoosac Tunnel, on the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, 7 miles E. of North Adams. It has a church. Pop. in 1890,456.
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

1916
Florida, a post-township (town) of Berkshire co., Mass., is bounded on the E. by the Deerfield River. Pop. in 1900, 390.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Florida:
Mohawk Trail State Forest:

Take a hike or a leisurely walk through the Mohawk Trail State Forest. The scenic beauty here is breathtaking, especially during the fall when the foliage is vibrant.

Hoosac Range Trail:

If you're into hiking, the Hoosac Range Trail offers a more challenging trek with rewarding views. Don't forget your hiking boots and camera!

Natural Bridge State Park:

Just a short drive away, Natural Bridge State Park features a marble arch and abandoned marble quarry. It's a unique geological site worth exploring.

North Adams:

Head to the neighboring town of North Adams for a bit more hustle and bustle. Check out the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) for some fascinating exhibits.

Savoy Mountain State Forest:

Another great spot for hiking and camping, Savoy Mountain State Forest provides a serene escape into nature.

Florida Mountain Summit:

Hike to the summit of Florida Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding... Read MORE...