The town of Stockbridge in the Berkshires is a popular destination for Berkshire county visitors because it is the location of Berkshire Theatre Festival, Tanglewood, Chesterwood, Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Naumkeag, Mission House, all important cultural venues, and The Red Lion Inn, which, in one form or another, has been a place of public accommodation since the 18th century.
In 1734 a mission was established in the midst of the Mohican tribe by Rev. John Sergeant, (son-in-law of Ephraim Williams) who was soon succeeded by Jonathan Edwards; chartered as Indian Town in 1737, it was incorporated as Stockbridge by the Massachusetts General Court, which declared that the Mahican’s land never could be sold.
That promise didn’t last long, however, and one Mahican was forced to sell a 4,000 acre parcel to a group of seven men, including 5 ministers; the “Minister’s Grant” is known today as the towns of Lenox and Richmond.
Stockbridge, MA facts:
- Town Hall: 6 Main St.
- Phone: 413-298-4714
- Police Dept.: 413-298-4179
- 2008 population: 2,208
- Town website: TownofStockbridge.com