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History of Alford, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Alford, Massachusetts, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Alford, Massachusetts, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Alford
Alford, Berkshire, MA
Alford was first settled in 1756 as part of a land purchase from the Shauanum Stockbridge Mahican tribe by a group led by Timothy Woodbridge. The town, originally part of Great Barrington, separated in 1769 and was officially incorporated in 1773. It was named for Colonel John Alford of Charlestown, who was known for preaching Christianity to Native Americans and for sponsoring a theology professorship at Harvard College's Divinity School.
Alford was first settled in 1756 as part of a land purchase from the Shauanum Stockbridge Mahican tribe by a group led by Timothy Woodbridge. The town, originally part of Great Barrington, separated in 1769 and was officially incorporated in 1773. It was named for Colonel John Alford of Charlestown, who was known for preaching Christianity to Native Americans and for sponsoring a theology professorship at Harvard College's Divinity School.
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VINTAGE ALFORD
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Alford, Massachusetts, USA
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to ALFORD
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LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Alford: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Alford through the years.
1740 - Alford is settled
Alford Massachusetts was originally settled in 1750 as a farming community, and was bought from the Stockbridge Indians, the Shawanon Purchase of 1756.
The first gristmill was erected in Alford in 1763.
Alford, originally part of Great Barrington, separated in 1769 and was officially incorporated in 1773.
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."
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Alford Town Hall was built in 1855
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,"...
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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.
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.
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
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 ...
GENEALOGY IN ALFORD
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Alford, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 34 ancestors who were born or died in Alford.
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Updated: 10/6/2023 4:34:09 PM
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