Nestled in the rolling hills of Franklin County, Massachusetts, the town of Shelburne offers a captivating glimpse into New England's rich past and vibrant present. From its early settlement days to its current status as a picturesque haven, Shelburne, and particularly its unique village of Shelburne Falls (shared with the neighboring town of Buckland), provides a delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.

Location and Geography

Shelburne is situated in central Franklin County, bordered by Colrain to the north, Greenfield to the east, Deerfield to the southeast, Conway to the south, and Buckland to the west, with a small border with Charlemont to the northwest. It lies along the scenic eastern banks of the Deerfield River, which forms its southern and western boundaries. The town is part of the greater Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The landscape features low peaks of the Berkshire foothills, with Massaemett Mountain being the highest point. The village of Shelburne Falls straddles both Shelburne and Buckland, divided by the Deerfield River, creating a unique bi-town community center.

 

A Rich History

Originally known as "Deerfield Northwest," the area was first settled by colonists in 1756 as part of Deerfield. It was formally organized as the district of Shelburne in 1768, named in honor of William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, a British politician. It achieved official incorporation as a town in 1775.

The area around what is now Shelburne Falls, then called "Salmon Falls," was vital long before colonial settlement as an important Native American fishing ground. Early colonial history also revolved around this fishing site.

Throughout its history, Shelburne's economy has been diverse. Initially agricultural, with thriving dairy farms, apple orchards, and maple syrup production, it evolved with the industrial era. Sawmills and gristmills utilized the power of the waterfalls. A significant development was the establishment of the Lamson & Goodnow cutlery company in 1837, which became a major employer. The arrival of the Troy & Greenfield Railroad in 1867 and the introduction of hydroelectricity in the early 20th century further spurred industrial growth.

• Bridge of Flowers: A beautifully converted former trolley bridge spanning the Deerfield River, adorned with seasonal flowers from April through October.
• Glacial Potholes: Unique geological formations visible in the Deerfield River bed below Salmon Falls, carved by glacial activity thousands of years ago.
• Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: Experience a ride on a restored historic trolley car (No. 10) and explore railway artifacts.
• High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary: Offers hiking trails through Audubon-protected woods on Mt. Massamet, providing scenic views.
• Shelburne Historical Society Museum: Located in the former Arms Academy building, showcasing local history from the 1700s to the present.
• Memorial Hall: A historic theater hosting films, concerts, opera, and theater productions.
• Artisan Shops and Galleries: Shelburne Falls boasts a vibrant arts community with numerous studios and galleries showcasing local work.
• Farms and Markets: Visit local farms like Apex Orchards and Hager's Farm Market for seasonal produce and local goods.

Transportation

Shelburne is accessible via several key routes:

• Massachusetts Route 2 (Mohawk Trail): This major scenic east-west route runs through Shelburne.
• Route 2A: Connects Route 2 directly to the heart of Shelburne Falls.
• Route 112: Also serves the Shelburne Falls area, following the river.
• Public Transit: The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides public transportation services in the region. This includes "Demand Response" services, particularly beneficial for seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering curb-to-curb rides. FRTA also operates fixed routes, such as Route 41, which connects Charlemont and Greenfield with stops in Shelburne.
• Intercity Connections: While there isn't direct intercity bus service to Shelburne Falls, services like Greyhound operate to nearby Greenfield. From Greenfield, travelers can utilize FRTA services or other local transport to reach Shelburne.

 

Official Link: https://townofshelburne.com/