History of Alford, Massachusetts, USA

1740 - Alford is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Alford Massachusetts was originally settled in 1750 as a farming community, and was bought from the Stockbridge Indians, the Shawanon Purchase of 1756.

http://townofalford.org/about-our-town/history/

The first gristmill was erected in Alford in 1763.

http://townofalford.org/about-our-town/history/

Alford, originally part of Great Barrington, separated in 1769 and was officially incorporated in 1773.

http://townofalford.org/about-our-town/history/

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

The Alford Village Church was built in 1817

http://townofalford.org/about-our-town/history/

1839 - Alford
Alford, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. On the line of the state of New York and watered by branches of Green river. Some manufactories of leather and shoes. 125 miles W. from Boston, 14 S. by W. from Lenox, and 24 E. of Hudson, N.Y. Population, 1837, 441. Incorporated, 1773.
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 - ALFORD. [Pop. 481. Inc. 1778.]
This small, irregularly shaped town was composed of land purchased of the Stockbridge tribe of Indians, and of a part of Great Barrington.

The western part of the town is mountainous, but the soil in the valleys is good, and the inhabitants are chiefly farmers. Distance from Lenox, 14 miles; from Boston, 136.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Alford
Alford, a post-township of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on Green river, an affluent of the Housatonic, 130 miles W. from Boston. Population, 502.
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.

Alford Town Hall was built in 1855

http://townofalford.org/about-our-town/history/

Alford Massachusetts, 1890
Alford is a small, mountainous farming town in the southwestern part of Berkshire County, 150 miles west of Boston, on the extreme western border of the State. It is bounded on the northeast by West Stockbridge, on the east by the same and Great Barrington, on the south by Egremont, and on the west by Hillsdale and Austerlitz, in New York. It lies on the easterly declivity of the Taconic range of mountains, and has a range of hills along its eastern and northern line, and through its western side. The geological formation is Lauzon schist and Levis limestone. Galena and iron pyrites occur ; slate is found in several parts, and in the northeast corner of the town there are quarries from which variegated marble to the value of $2,600 has been taken in a year. The New York city hall was for the most part constructed of the marble from this quarry. The scenery of the western part of the town is wild and romantic. A noted feature in the northeast section is an eminence named " Tom Ball,"... Read MORE...

1895 - Alford
A1ford, a post township and hamlet of Berkshire co, Mass., 10 miles S.S.W. of Lenox, and about 2 miles from the New York state line. It has 1 church. Pop. 430.
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
Al'ford, a township (town) and hamlet of Berkshire co., Mass., 10 miles SSW. of Lenox and about 2 miles from the New York state line. Pop. of the town in 1900, 272.
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

While it might not have a bustling city vibe, there are plenty of things to see and do in and around Alford. Here's a list to get you started:
Alford Town Center:
Start your exploration by strolling through the town center. Enjoy the small-town charm, maybe grab a coffee at a local café, and chat with the friendly locals.

Alford Village Green:
Take a leisurely walk in the Alford Village Green. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for a picnic or just unwinding amidst nature.

Alford Historical Society:
Delve into the town's history at the Alford Historical Society. Learn about the early settlers, the development of the town, and see if they have any events or exhibits during your visit.

Alford Covered Bridge:
If you're a fan of picturesque scenes, check out the Alford Covered Bridge. It's a great spot for some photography and a peaceful pause.

Hiking in Alford:
Explore the natural beauty surrounding Alford by taking a hike. The area offers various trails for different skill levels. Try the Alford Springs trail for a scenic trek.

Ski Butternut:
If you're visiting in the winter, head to Ski Butternut. It's not far ... Read MORE...