History of Becket, Massachusetts, USA

1740 - Becket is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1765 - Becket is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Becket
Becket, Massachusetts
An elevated farming township on the Green mountain range, in Berkshire county. Westfield, Farmington, and Housatonick rivers receive the waters of several ponds in this town. It has some small manufactures, and about 7,000 sheep. The town was incorporated in 1765, and lies 110 miles W. from Boston, 15 E.S.E. from Lenox, and 23 W. from Northampton. Population, 1837, 957.
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 - BECKET. [Pop. 1,312. Inc. 1765.]
Part of a district, called Bethlehem, was annexed to Becket in 1810. Becket is on the Green or Hoo&ack range, and a healthful region, though cold and not very fertile.

Distance from Lenox, 15 miles; from Boston, 120.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Becket
Becket, a post-township of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on the Western rail road, 135 miles W. by S. of Boston. Population, 1223.
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.

Becket Massachusetts, 1890
Becket is a fine grazing town on the Hoosac branch of the Green Mountain range, on the easterly side of Berkshire County, 118 miles west from Boston. Its boundaries are Washington and Middlefield on the north, Chester on the east, Otis on the south, and Tyringham, Lee and Washington on the west.

Much of the surface is broken, and not available for cultivation. Benton Hill, in the north, is a commanding eminence; and Becket Mountain, in the west, a station in the Trigonometrical Survey, has an elevation of 2,194 feet above sea-level. Wadsworth Hill, in the centre, is the water-shed of Westfield and Farmington rivers; while a tributary of the Housatonic River rises in the western part of the town. The scenery is further diversified by several beautiful sheets of clear water, — Centre Lake, of 163 acres; Rudd Pond, 96 acres; Yokum Pond, 118 acres, and the smaller Shaw and Ward ponds. The climate is cool and bracing, and the people are noted for longevity; there being in 1885, out of a ... Read MORE...

1895 - Becket
Beck'et, or North Becket, a post-village of Berk shire co., Mass., in Becket township, on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 37 miles W.N.W. of Springfield. It has 2 churches, a graded school, a tannery, a basket-factory, a grist-mill, &c. Here is Becket Post-Office. The township is hilly, and presents attractive scenery. Pop. in 1890, 946.
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
Becket, or North Becket, a post-village of Berk shire co., Mass., in Becket township (town), on the Boston and Albany R., 37 miles WNW. of Springfield. It has a basket-factory, paper- and grist-mills, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 994.
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

1927 - Flood
...Washouts blocked Boston and Albany railroad lines at Beckett, Mass...
The Oelwein Daily Register
Iowa
November 4, 1927

Whether you're into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just soaking in the small-town charm, Becket has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this picturesque town:
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival:

Start your visit with a dance performance or a tour at Jacob's Pillow, an iconic dance festival and school. It's a cultural hub that attracts dance enthusiasts from all over.

Becket Arts Center:

Explore the local art scene at the Becket Arts Center. You might stumble upon a gallery exhibition, a workshop, or a live performance. It's a great place to appreciate and support local artists.

October Mountain State Forest:

If you're a nature lover, head to October Mountain State Forest. It's a vast wilderness area perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the beautiful New England scenery.

Chesterwood:

Take a short drive to Chesterwood, the former home and studio of sculptor Daniel Chester French, best known for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The estate is beautiful, and you can explore French's studio and gardens.

Berkshire Lakeside Lodge:

For a relaxing day, visit Berkshire Lakeside Lodge. Enjoy the serene lakeside... Read MORE...