History of New Ashford, Massachusetts, USA

1762 - New Ashford is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - New Ashford
New Ashford, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This is a mountainous township, but the soil is good for grazing. In 1837, the value of 2,708 fleeces of wool, produced in this town, weighing 7,785 pounds, was worth $3,893. New Ashford produces fine white and variegated marble, and is the source of Green river. It lies 130 miles W. by N. from Boston and 18 N. from Lenox. Incorporated, 1801. Population, 1837, 253.
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 - NEW ASHFORD. [Pop. 227. Inc. 1801.]
New Ashford, the smallest town in the State, lies between Saddle Mountain and the Taconic range. Branches of the Housatonic and Hoosick issue in opposite directions from the town.

After long wringing a living from the unwilling soil, the inhabitants have lately found employment in their valuable quarries of marble.

Distance from Lenox, 18 miles; from Boston, 130.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - New Ashford
New Ashford, a post-township in Berkshire co., Massachusetts, 125 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 186.
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.

1872 - Boston pays its female teachers an average of $67.92 per month, and Newton $65.54.
These are the highest in the State. The lowest is the town of New Ashford, which pays only $16.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 16, 1872

New Ashford Massachusetts, 1890
New Ashford is a small farming town of mountainous, wild and broken land, presenting much beautiful scenery, situated in the northwestern part of Berkshire County, about 130 miles from Boston. The long mountain ridge of which Greylock, at the northeast angle, is the highest summit, separates it from the valley of the Housatonic and its railroad on the east, so that the nearest railroad stations are the Fitchburg in Williamstown, eight miles north, and the Boston and Albany at Pittsfield, 12 miles south. Williamstown bounds it on the north, Adams and Cheshire on the east, Lanesborough on the south, and Hancock on the west. The assessed area is 7,570 acres, including 3,917 acres of forest, consisting of maple, beech and birch. Sugar Loaf Mount, south of the centre, is the most notable eminence in the town; and on the western border are the outposts of the Taconic range. Marble and calcareous schist abound, and have been quarried. There is in this town a cave 130 feet in length, with... Read MORE...

1895 - New Ashford
New Ash'ford, a post-township of Berkshire co., Mass., 12 miles N. of Pittsfield. It has a church. Mount Greylock is on its N.E. border. Pop. 125.
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
New Ashford, a post-township (town) of Berkshire co., Mass., 12 miles N. of Pittsfield. Mount Greaylock (Saddle Mountain) is on its NE. border. Pop. in 1900, 107.
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

1916 - New Ashford had the distinction of casting the first vote in United States Presidential Elections, as Dixville Notch, New Hampshire does today.

wikipedia.org

1920 - Following the ratifcation of the Nineteenth Amendment the New Ashford poll was where Ms. Phoebe Jordan became the first woman to vote in a national election on November 2, 1920.

wikipedia.org

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around New Ashford:
Mt. Greylock State Reservation:

Start your adventure by exploring the stunning Mt. Greylock State Reservation. Hike the trails, enjoy a picnic, and take in the breathtaking views from the summit.

Bascom Lodge:

While at Mt. Greylock, visit Bascom Lodge. It's a historic lodge with a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy a meal with a view, and if you're lucky, catch a live music performance.

The Clark Art Institute:

Appreciate art at The Clark Art Institute in nearby Williamstown. This renowned museum features an impressive collection of European and American paintings and sculptures.

Williams College Museum of Art:

Explore the diverse exhibits at the Williams College Museum of Art. It's a great place to immerse yourself in contemporary and historical art.

Taconic Golf Club:

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Taconic Golf Club. This scenic course offers a challenging game surrounded by the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains.

Sweet Brook Farm:

For a taste of rural life,... Read MORE...