History of Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA

1726 - Sheffield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1733 - Sheffield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Sheffield
Sheffield, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. This is a very pleasant town, on both sides of the Housatonick. The river meanders circuitously and slowly through the town, and forms large tracts of rich alluvial meadow. In large freshets the river overflows its banks to a great extent, and forms the appearance of a large lake. The village is neat; situated in a beautiful valley, surrounded by hills, one of which is 3,000 feet in height, and presents a great variety of delightful scenery. There are manufactures in the town of leather, hats, ploughs, and spirits, but the principal business of the people is agricultural. In 1837, there were 6,892 sheep sheared in the town: the value of the wool amounted to $11,372. Marble and iron ore are abundant.

Sheffield is the oldest town in the county: it was incorporated in 1733. It lies 140 miles S.W. from Boston, 20 S. from Lenox, and 28 E. from Hudson, N.Y. Population, 1837, 2,308.
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 - SHEFFIELD. [Pop. 2,322. Inc. 1733.]
Sheffield was originally the lowest of certain tracts called the Housatonic townships, and originally included the southern part of Great Barrington. For many years it was claimed by New York.

The Housatonic divides the town from north to south, and often widely overflowing its banks, enriches the soil, and makes the town essentially agricultural.

Sheffield is mountainous, and Bald Peak Mountain on the western border, is very elevated. Iron oie and an excellent white marble are found here.

Distance from Lenox, 20 miles; from Boston, 125.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Sheffield
Sheffield, a post-village in Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, on the Housatonic river and railroad, about 120 miles S. W. by W. from Boston. Population of the township, 2769.
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.

1863 - GREAT HAIL STORM IN SHEFFIELD.
The town of Sheffield was visited on Sunday afternoon with a terrific hail storm, commencing about 3 o'clock and raging with great fury for nearly three-quarters of an hour, breaking windows, leveling fences and uprooting trees. From 100 to 150 panes of glass were broken in several houses, and hail-stones fell measuring 2 1-2 inches in circumference. It passed from west to east over the north and central parts of the town and in width about 3 1-2 miles. In the south part of the town, but little rain and not hail fell. Serious damage was done to fields of grain and gardens, and some fine orchards were severely injured; trees six inches through were twisted off and others torn up by the roots. The lightning struck in several different places, and altogether it was the most terrific storm of thunder, lightning, wind, hail and rain within the memory of the oldest inhabitant.
The Berkshire County Eagle
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
June 4, 1863

Sheffield Massachusetts, 1890
Sheffield is a large and beautiful town in the southwest part of Berkshire County, 182 miles from Boston. It contains 453 dwelling-houses and 2,033 inhabitants. Great Barrington bounds it on the north, New Marlborough on the east, Mount Washington and Egremont on the west, and Salisbury and North Canaan, in Conn., on the south. The assessed area is 27,000 acres, which is 2,000 or more short of the actual extent. About 10,000 acres are in forest.

The scenery in the easterly and westerly parts of the town is grand and picturesque; in the middle, through which the Housatonic River pursues a slow and serpentine course southward, it is very beautiful. The view of Mount Everett, rising to the height of 2,624 feet on the western border of the town, flanked by others nearly as large, is truly magnificent; while Alum Hill, and others northward, form a broken wall on the east. The geological formation is the Lower Potsdam and Levis limestone; and specimens of asbestos, pyrites, native alum,... Read MORE...

1895 - Sheffield
Sheffield, a post-village in Sheffield township, Berk shire co, Mass., on the Housatonic River and the Housatonic Railroad, 31 miles S. of Pittsfield, and about 45 miles W. of Springfield. It has 2 or 3 churches, an academy, and several mills. The township is noted for its beautiful mountain-scenery and its quarries of white marble. The columns of Girard College, Philadelphia, are formed of Sheffield marble. Pop. of the township, 2233.
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
Sheffield, a post-village in Sheffield township (town), Berkshire co., Mass., on the Housatonio River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 31 miles S. of Pittsfield. The town is noted for beautiful mountain- scenery. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1804.
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 Sheffield:
Bartholomew's Cobble:
Start your visit with a hike at Bartholomew's Cobble. This nature preserve offers scenic trails, including the Hurlburt's Hill loop, which rewards you with stunning views of the Housatonic River Valley.

Ashley House:
Delve into history at the Ashley House, the 18th-century home of Colonel John Ashley. This historic site offers guided tours that provide insights into the colonial history of the region.

Berkshire Botanical Garden:
If you have a green thumb or simply love beautiful landscapes, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Explore themed gardens, educational exhibits, and attend seasonal events.

Bash Bish Falls State Park:
A short drive away, Bash Bish Falls State Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike the trails to reach the stunning waterfall, one of the highest in Massachusetts.

Norman Rockwell Museum:
Immerse yourself in the art world at the Norman Rockwell Museum. This museum celebrates the iconic American illustrator's... Read MORE...