History of Otis, Massachusetts, USA

1735 - Otis is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1773 - Otis is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

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."

1839 - Otis
Otis, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This township is on high ground, and is the source of some of the head waters of Farmington and Westfield rivers. These streams flow from several very handsome ponds. The surface of the town is uneven but the soil is productive, particularly of good pasturage. The manufactures consist of leather, boots, shoes, chairs, cabinet ware, lumber, &c. It lies 130 miles W. by S. from Boston and 15 S.E. from Lenox. Population, 1837, 1,077. Incorporated, 1793.
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 - OTIS. [Pop. 1,177. Inc. 1773.]
This town was called Loudon till 1810, when it was named Otis, in honor of Harrison Gray Otis, a distinguished citizen of Boston, then Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1809, part of a district, called Bethlehem, was annexed to this town.

Otis lies among the Green Mountains, and is watered by sources of the Housatonic and Farmington. The ground is rough, and sq rocky, as to render cultivation difficult.

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

1854 - Otis
Otis, a post-township in Berkshire co., Massachusetts, 115 miles W. by S. from Boston. Population, 1224.
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.

Otis Massachusetts, 1890
Otis is a picturesque, sparsely inhabited town of the highlands, situated in the northeastern part of the southern half of Berkshire County, 128 miles west of Boston. ts nearest railway station is on the Boston and Albany Railroad, in Becket, which bounds it on the north. Blandford forms the eastern boundary, Tolland and Sandisfield the southern, and Monterey and Tyringham the western. The assessed area is 21,312 acres, including 8,916 acres of forests, composed chiefly of beech, maple and pine. Except in the northeast, there are few extended areas unbroken by hills; and a large part of the open land is too rough for tillage, but excellent for pasturage. Tilley's Mountain, somewhat north of Otis centre, is the highest elevation. The principal rock is calcareous gneiss. The soil is generally a dark loam. Farmington River runs medially through the town southeastward, affording, with its tributaries, numerous small powers. There are many beautiful lakes dispersed over the town. Great... Read MORE...

1895 - Otis
Otis, a post-hamlet in Otis township, Berkshire co, Mass., about 22 miles S.S.E. of Pittsfield. It has 2 churches. Pop. of the township, 855.
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
Otis, a post-village in Otis township (town), Berkshire co., Mass., about 22 miles SSE. of Pittsfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 476.
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

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Otis:
Otis Ridge Ski Area:

If you're visiting during the winter, head to Otis Ridge Ski Area for some skiing and snowboarding fun. The slopes cater to all skill levels, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced riders.

Tolland State Forest:

Explore the great outdoors at Tolland State Forest. This beautiful natural area offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and a picturesque lake. It's an ideal place for a family picnic or a peaceful day in nature.

Otis Poultry Farm:

Get a taste of rural life at Otis Poultry Farm. Tour the farm to see how they raise chickens and produce fresh eggs. You might even get a chance to interact with some of the farm animals.

Otis Reservoir:

Otis Reservoir is a hotspot for water activities. Whether you enjoy swimming, kayaking, or fishing, the reservoir provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal by the water.

Farmington River Brewing Company:

Unwind and enjoy... Read MORE...