Visit Past Historic Northampton
If you’re in the mood for something different, plan a vacation to Northampton, Massachusetts. Tucked away in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley, this unusual little town has something for everyone, and many things you won’t find anywhere else.
Visitors who love Colonial Williamsburg and other historic destinations will find much of interest here. The town was originally granted its charter in 1654 as the town of Nonotuck; it was later incorporated as the City of Northampton in 1884, and that long, rich history is on display all over town History buffs should be sure to visit the large towering stone church that watches over Main Street. Now the First Churches of Northampton, it was once the pulpit of Jonathan Edwards. Before becoming famous for his fire-and-brimstone sermons (including “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God), Edwards was ordained minister in Northampton in 1727. He gave rise to a spiritual revival there; between 1733 and 1734, nearly 300 people joined his congregation. He also worked with famous Great Awakening preacher George Whitfield, helping to organize his “Revival Tour” of 1739-40. A sculpture and portrait on display at the First Churches commemorate Edwards’ historic presence.
- The “Goody Parsons Witchcraft Case” is famous to this day.
Northampton was also host to some of the action of Shays’ Rebellion. In August of 1786, 1500 Shaysites marched on the town to stop the courts from foreclosing against indebted farmers. Daniel Shays himself led a similar march against Springfield the following month.
If you’re interested in more recent historical figures, celebrated abolitionist Sojourner Truth owned her first house in Northampton, and lived there for almost a decade. Frederick Douglass was a frequent visitor to the area, where he often spoke at the Northampton Association of Education and Industry. Calvin Coolidge practiced law in Northampton, and eventually served as the town’s mayor before becoming President of the United States. Forbes Library, located on West Street, houses the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, and offers visitors information for a self-guided walking tour that includes important sites in Coolidge’s life there.
Many other historical figures have spent time in Northampton, including Jenny Lind, Alexander Graham Bell, Amelia Earhart and Silvia Plath. Plath graduated from Smith College with honors in 1955, and returned there to teach from 1957-1959. The college’s Rare Book Room and Archives are home to a significant Sylvia Plath collection including letters, manuscripts and photographs.
If you love to visit Colonial Williamsburg, and you find yourself travelling in the Northeast, come and see Northampton. It’s a beautiful place to take a stroll through the nation’s history.
