History of Richmond, Massachusetts, USA

1760 - Richmond is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1765 - Richmond is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Richmond
Richmond, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This town is situated in a deep valley of excellent soil, surrounded by elevated lands, and watered by Williams' river. This is an excellent farming town; the farmers' houses, extending some miles on one street, are neatly built and make a beautiful appearance. Iron ore of a good quality is found here in abundance, also marble and lime. The manufactures of the town consist of pig iron, shovels, spades, forks, hoes, leather, boots and shoes. Annual value, about $50,000. In 1836, there were 4,835 merino sheep in Richmond. They produced 14,505 pounds of wool, valued at $8,703. It lies 135 miles W. from Boston and 5 W. from Lenox. Incorporated, 1765. Population, 1837, 820.
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 - RICHMOND. [Pop. 1,097. Inc. 1765.]
Richmond once included Lenox, and was named after the Duke of Richmond.

Several branches of the Housatonic issue from Richmond. The land is fertile, and the scenery delightful.

The raising of sheep and the manufacture of iron, next to agriculture, are the chief concern.

Distance from Lenox centre, 5 miles; from Boston, 135.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Richmond
Richmond, a post-village in Berkshire co., Massachusetts, on the Western railroad, and the Housatonic river, 159 miles W. from Boston. Population of the township, 907.
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.

Richmond Massachusetts, 1890
Richmond, remarkable for its scenic beauty, is one of the western border-towns of Berkshire County. It has Hancock and Pittsfield on the north, Lenox on the east, West Stockbridge on the south, and Canaan, in New York, on the west. The length north and south is 5 miles, and the width about 4 miles. The assessed area is 11,347 acres. Nearly one half the area is forest, containing the usual flora of the State.

Along the entire eastern side are the Lenox hills, and in the northwest Perry's Peak rises to the height of 2,089 feet. Between is a broad, arable valley, through which runs, northeast and southwest, the Boston and Albany Railroad, having stations at Richmond village, 159 miles west of Boston, and at Richmond Furnace, one mile farther. The town abounds in springs and rivulets, — of which Ford, Roye's, Tracy and other brooks flow into Richmond Pond on the northeast border; while Cone and Griffin brooks, flowing south, unite and form Williams River, a tributary of the Housatonic. ... Read MORE...

1895 - Richmond
Richmond, a post-village in Richmond £, Berkshire co, Mass., on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 8 1/ 2 miles S.W. of Pittsfield, and 42 miles S.E. of Albany. It has a church, a school called Kenmore Hall, and a furnace for pig-iron. Pop. of the township, 1141.
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
Richmond, a post-village in Richmond township (town), Berkshire co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., 8 1/ 2 miles SW. of Pittsfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 679.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Richmond:
Richmond Pond: Start your visit with some outdoor recreation at Richmond Pond. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the shore, this scenic spot provides a relaxing escape.

Tanglewood: If you're a music lover, don't miss Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The venue hosts a variety of concerts, ranging from classical to contemporary. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music under the stars.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, managed by Mass Audubon. Explore the trails, observe wildlife, and take in the beautiful scenery. It's a great spot for birdwatching.

Chesterwood: This historic site was the summer home and studio of sculptor Daniel Chester French, best known for the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. The estate features his studio, gardens, and a collection of his works.

Richmond Town Hall: Check out the town hall, which is... Read MORE...