History of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA

1766 - West Stockbridge is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - West Stockbridge
West Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. Williams river which rises in Richmond, runs through the whole length of this town, and gives it a great hydraulic power.

This town is bounded W. by the state of New York and lies on the route of the great western rail road from Boston to Albany. A part of the town is hilly; but the soil is generally good. Along the river is a valley of fine land which gives beauty to the village, and value to the town. Mines of iron ore are found in this town, and an inexhaustible quantity of beautifully variegated marble.

The manufactures of the town consist of bar iron, axes, brads, machinery, marble, leather, wooden ware, &c.; annual value, about $50,000.

West Stockbridge lies 135 miles W. from Boston, 9 S.S.W. from Lenox, 26 E. by N. from Hudson, N.Y., and 37 1/ 2 S.E. by S. from Albany by the proposed rail road. Incorporated, 1774. Population in 1837, 1,244.
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 - WEST STOCKBRIDGE. [Pop. 1,448. Inc. 1774]
This town was taken from Stockbridge, and before its incorporation was called Queensborough. It belonged to the Stockbridge tribe of Indians.

Stockbridge Mountain separates West Stockbridge from the old town, and Williams River, a branch of the Housatonic, affords mill-sites for the sawing of marble, of which the town furnishes many beautiful varieties.

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

1854 - West Stockbridge
West Stockbridge, a post-township of Berkshire co., Massachusetts, bordering on New York, by railroad 100 miles W. from Boston. Three railroads meet at the State- line station, viz., the West Stockbridge, the Western, and the Hudson and Berkshire rail roads. The principal village on the Stock- bridge railroad, it contains 2 or 3 churches, and about 1000 inhabitants. In the township are extensive beds of iron ore and inexhaustible quarries of marble. Population, 1718.
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.

West Stockbridge Massachusetts, 1890
West Stockbridge lies midway of the western border of Berkshire County and of the State, 162 miles west of Boston. The Boston and Albany Railroad crosses the northwest corner, having a station at State Line (village), where it forms a junction with the west branch of the Housatonic Railroad. The latter follows up the valley of William's River through the eastern section, having a station at Williamsville, in the south, and another at West Stockbridge Village, in the northeast.

Rawson's Brook, flowing northward, and Wilson's Brook southward, drain the western section. The former, with Cone and Griffin brooks from the north, unite at West Stockbridge Village, forming a mill-pond, from which issues William's River, a tributary of the Housatonic. West and northwest of this village are Crane (or Great Quapan Kuk), Cranberry (or Small Quapan Kuk), and Mud (or Gilder) ponds. The town is bounded by Richmond on the north, Stockbridge on the east, Great Barrington and Alford on the south,... Read MORE...

1895 - West Stockbridge
West Stock'bridge, a post-village in West Stock bridge township, Berkshire co., Mass., on a branch of the Housatonic Railroad, 14 miles S.S.W. of Pittsfield, and 10 miles N. of Great Barrington. It has 3 churches and a savings-bank. The township has manufactures of flour, pig-iron, and lime, and quarries of marble. The Boston & Albany Railroad touches the N.W. part of the township. Pop. of the township, 1981
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
West Springfield, a village of Hampden co., Mass., in West Springfield township (town), on the Connecticut River and on the Boston and Albany R., opposite Spring field, with which it is connected by bridges. It has rail road-shops and some manufactures. Pop. of the town in 1900, 7105. The post-office is Springfield.
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 see in and around West Stockbridge:
Spend a Day at Chesterwood:
If you're into art and history, visit Chesterwood, the former home and studio of sculptor Daniel Chester French. The beautiful landscape and stunning sculptures make for a peaceful and inspiring visit.

Explore Shaker Mill Books:
Book lovers, rejoice! Shaker Mill Books is a fantastic independent bookstore with a carefully curated selection. You might just stumble upon a literary gem or spend a cozy afternoon browsing.

Art Galleries Galore:
West Stockbridge is home to several art galleries showcasing both local and international artists. The offerings are diverse, so art enthusiasts will have a field day exploring the different exhibits.

Take a Stroll Down Main Street:
The town's Main Street is picturesque, lined with quaint shops and cafes. Take a leisurely stroll, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local vibe.

Visit the West Stockbridge Historical Society:
For a glimpse... Read MORE...