Cheshire, Massachusetts history, information, demographics
Cheshire, a valley town 10 miles north of Pittsfield, boasts a 500 acre lake, spectacular views from Stafford Hill, and one of the most unusual monuments anywhere, which celebrates the 1,235 pound cheese presented to President Jefferson by Cheshire farmers.
The Great Cheshire Cheese
"The Great Cheese' symbolized Cheshire's satisfaction with the election of Thomas Jefferson to the Presidency in 1800. The idea of creating this monster among edibles was put forth by a baptist clergyman of Cheshire, Elder John Leland. A friend of Jefferson, he thought the town should send the new executive a testimonial of esteem." (The Berkshire Hills, by Federal Writers' Project, © 1939, Berkshire Hills Conference, Inc.)
Many Appalachian Trail through-hikers receive mail and provisions at the village post office.
- Berkshire county towns:
- Berkshire county
- Bus and train info. for Berkshire towns
- Adams
- Alford
- Becket
- Cheshire
- Clarksburg
- Dalton
- Egremont
- Florida
- Gt. Barrington
- Hancock
- Hinsdale
- Lanesborough
- Lee
- Lenox
- Monterey
- Mt. Washington
- New Ashford
- New Marlborough
- North Adams
- Otis
- Peru
- Pittsfield
- Richmond
- Sandisfield
- Savoy
- Sheffield
- Stockbridge
- Tyringham
- Washington
- W. Stockbridge
- Williamstown
- Windsor
Cheshire, MA facts:
- Town Hall: 80 Church St.
- Phone: (413)743-1690
- Population: 3,401
- Settled/Inc'd: 1766
- Named for: Cheshire, England
- Elevation: 945'
- Demographoc data: state.ma.us/cc/cheshire.html
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