Stockbridge, MA

5K/10K Walk 

  Saturday, May 16, 2009

AVA #09/83599

Background: Stockbridge was first settled in 1734 as a mission for the Mahican Indian tribe known as the Stockbridge Indians. The township was set aside for the tribe as a reward for their assistance against the French in the French and Indian Wars. The Reverend John Sergeant from Newark, New Jersey was their missionary. First chartered as Indian Town in 1737, it was officially incorporated on June 22, 1739 as Stockbridge, named after Stockbridge in Hampshire, England.

Although the Massachusetts General Court made an assurance that the Indians' land could never be sold, it was rescinded. Despite their further help during the Revolutionary War, the tribe was relocated first to New York State, then to Wisconsin. The village was taken over by English settlers. With the arrival of the railroad in 1850, Stockbridge developed as a summer resort for the wealthy. Many large houses called Berkshire Cottages were built in the area before World War I and the advent of income tax. One estate on the Lenox border, Tanglewood, is today the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Since 1853, Stockbridge has benefited from the presence of the Laurel Hill Association, a village beautification society.

Stockbridge was also the home to Elizabeth Freeman, late in her life. The former slave who was one of the petitioners in the lawsuit that had slavery declared unconstitutional in Massachusetts, Freeman worked in the household of the Massachusetts statesman Judge Theodore Sedgwick. She is buried in Stockbridge's downtown cemetery.

Famed 19th century literary figure, Catharine Maria Sedgwick, was born in Stockbridge in 1789. She is the author of six novels including her most famous, Hope Leslie (1827). The town has a tradition as an art colony. Sculptor Daniel Chester French lived and worked at his home and studio called Chesterwood. Norman Rockwell painted many of his works in Stockbridge, home to the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Enjoy your visit!!

Time:      Start anytime between 9 AM – 12 noon, finish by 3:00 pm

Trail Rating: Walk uses village streets, paved roads and sidewalks in this picturesque historical village, Norman Rockwell’s home.  Walk passes his grave.  The 5k route is flat and on paved paths and sidewalks. It is rated 1 and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The 10k route is rated 2 and it includes hills.  Otherwise the route has the same conditions as the 5K.

Fees:

IVV Credit Walkers     - $3.00

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DIRECTIONS:  
From the East: Take I-90 Mass Pike to exit #2.  After Toll booth turn left and follow rte. 102 west for 5 miles.  Rte. 102 becomes Main St.  and the Town Hall will be on left.

From the West:   NYS Thurway to exit B3. Go .8 mile on rte 22 south, turn left at sign to Stockbridge.  Go 7 miles an rte 102 through W. Stockbridge.  Rte 102 becomes Main St and Town Hall will be about 2 miles on the right.

From the North and South:  Take rte 7 directly to Stockbridge

Use our Map Locater. Get directions from your home to the walksite (CLICK HERE)

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For further information about this event, please contact:

       Susan Grey   (518) 399-0159

e-mail   susanbg2@yahoo,com