The history of east hoosuck
Prior to European settlement, the primary First Peoples of Northern Berkshire County were the Mahicans and the Mohawks. The term Hoosac is referenced to mean "the stony place" by the Mohawks and was used to describe a region encompassing northeastern New York, southern Vermont, and northwestern Massachusetts. The term Hoosic is referenced to mean “kettle” in Mahican. There are several spelling variations—Hoosac, Hoosic, Hoosuck, Hoosick—all of which are correct, depending on what the name is referencing.
We acknowledge with gratitude and humility that our town stands on the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans, the Indigenous peoples of this region. After enduring displacement from their homeland, the Tribe continues today as a sovereign nation in Wisconsin. Learn more about the Stockbridge-Munsee Community of Mohicans on their website.
Colonial Era (1675-1775)
"Adams and North Adams were one town until 1878. They both began as East Hoosuck Plantation which was first surveyed in 1739 by Nathan Kellogg. Fort Massachusetts' fall in 1745 discouraged settlement of the northern areas of Berkshire County until after the French and Indian War. East Hoosuck was sold to Nathan James, Eliza Jones and John Murray as proprietors for settlement in 1762.
Early settlements occurred on each side of the Hoosic River along Notch Road, Friend Street and West Road on the west, and East Road and Bowen’s Corners on the east. " -- The American Zylonite Company
Federal Era (1775–1830)
Adams was incorporated in 1778 and named after Samuel Adams of Boston, a statesman and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents.
TIMELINE
1762
East Hoosuck Settlement
1775
AMERICAN REVOLUTION BEGINS
1778
ADAMS, ma