About two hundred went into the service during the Civil War period with many casualties. Among those lost were Maj. Gen. George C. Strong, a graduate of West Point who had spent his early years in Easthampton. Another was Charles M. Rensellear who died at Andersonville prison in 1864. He was the only African American person from Easthampton to serve and had enlisted as soon as he was allowed.

The Town Hall tower, with its tablet, comprises the memorial to the Easthampton people lost in the conflict.

In 1664 the Indians had received permission to build one or more forts. One was built near the northerly end of Fort Plain in Easthampton and was occupied until the outbreak of King Philip's War in 1675.  The Connecticut Valley became a seat of war; a condition which was to continue until the end of the French and Indian wars in 1763.

In 1699 permission to settle at Pascommuck was granted to five families: Moses Hutchinson, John Searl, Benoi Jones, Samuel Janes, and Benjamin Janes.

The 13th of May 1704 the Indians went upon Mount Tom Village and attacked. A small band of Militia repelled the attack but not before many fatalities.

In the last French and Indian War, 1753-63, several from town were engaged. Eliakim Wright was killed at Lake George in 1755. Lemuel Lyman was saved from death by his bullet pouch checking a ball which struck him. The pouch was later presented to the museum at the Library. With Quebec's fall, the French and Indian Wars were over, and "the relief felt on every hand can hardly be imagined now.” The long clogged wheels of enterprise moved again, and settlements that had been forgotten were reclaimed, while new ones were commenced. The ax resounded in the forests, and smiling harvests returned once more to be gathered rejoicingly beneath the reign of peace."

In 1773 with more settled conditions and the prospects of a brighter future came a desire to establish a separate town.  This was partly due to a need to transact local business conveniently, but of more importance was the wish to be able to attend religious services without the necessity of journeying to Northampton.

In November 1785, the church was established and on August 13, 1789 Rev. Payson Williston was ordained. The introductory prayer at the service was by Rev. Enoch Hale brother of Nathan Hale of Revolutionary fame.

Immediately after the Revolution, unsettled conditions led to Shays'

Rebellion. There is no record of Easthampton sympathizers, but a company from the town went to Springfield to oppose the insurgents.

On June 16, 1809, Easthampton was incorporated as a town replacing the district organization.  On July 6, 1812, when the War of 1812 came up for consideration, the town voted "to oppose a war with England." However, when Boston was threatened, a number of Easthampton people went to its defense.

But before these changes could be put into effect the War of American Independence commenced.

World War I took its toll. Six hundred eighty-seven were listed as going from the town into the armed forces.

During the early 1940's the thoughts and energies of the people were devoted to World War II and its needs. Fifteen hundred and sixty three men and women entered the service. A tablet in commemoration of their service has been placed on the town hall.

The Korean war drew more people into the service of the country.

The monument on the library lawn gives the names and lists those lost during hostilities.

Native Americans

Early English settlement

Military and Easthampton

The Mills

Williston’s Legacy

The 1800’s

Modern History

Trolleys & Light Rail