ommunity: About Williamstown

Williamstown is located in the northwestern corner of Massachusetts, and is bordered on the north by Vermont and on the west by New York State. Settlers first made their way to the area in the early 1750s. With the end of the French and Indian War in 1760, land was cleared, roads were improved, and craftsmen and professionals began arriving in the valley occupied by Fort West Hoosac.

Upon his death, Ephraim Williams, a local veteran of the war, provided for the establishment of a free school under the condition that the growing village be named after him. In 1765, in accordance with Williams' will, the hamlet in the northwest corner of Massachusetts was officially named Williamstown. Colonel Williams's free school opened in 1791, and two years later became known as Williams College.

Until the second half of the 19th century, agriculture -- including dairy farming and wool production -- was the economic mainstay of the area until the Industrial Revolution. The establishment of water-powered mills, at the Cable Mills site and at the site known as Station Mill on Cole Avenue, transformed the town. With the coming of the railroads, Williamstown also became a popular summer destination, and in the 1930s and 40s was the summer home of Alta Rockefeller Prentice (a daughter of John D. Rockefeller) and of legendary songwriter Cole Porter.

Today, Williams College is the town's largest employer, having expanded to 2,000 students after admitting women as students in the 1970s. The town is still a popular destination both for its natural beauty and for its cultural institutions including the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and the summertime Williamstown Theatre Festival.

More information about Williamstown can be found at the Town's official website: williamstown.net, the Downtown Williamstown Association downtownwilliamstown.com, and the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce williamstownchamber.com

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