Destination:
The Berkshires
of Western Massachusetts

Lanesborough

In 1742, 76 folks petitioned for the creation of a Wilderness township north of Pontoosuc Lake, but during the years that followed, few were brave enough to settle there.

The grassroots campaign to create a township was led by residents of Framingham. Thus, it only made sense to call the resulting township New Framingham, although it was later renamed Richfield. Many were reluctant to settle in New Framingham, though, because they felt the wilderness area was too susceptible to Indian raids prompted by the French and Indian War.

In fact, no Proprietor's Records were kept between 1752 and 1759, although a few brave souls, like Nathaniel Wilcox, took their chances in New Framingham. Nevertheless, Wilcox and the others felt a little better when in 1756 a fort was constructed at the south end of Main Street. Once the peace treaty was signed, the population began to steadily grow, and in 1765, Massachusetts Governor Francis Bernard ultimately approved the residents' request for incorporation.

By 1822, the village center of Lanesborough had become firmly entrenched alongside what would eventually evolve into Route 7. The population center gradually moved southward near the present village due to a shift in the economy from agriculture to commerce and industry, primarily marble and iron.

In the Area:
Mount Greylock State Reserve, the state's highest point with views of five states.

Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires
75 North Street, Suite 360
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499-4000
Fax: (413) 447-9641

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