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Welcome to the Plainfield Historical Society’s website. Included on this page are many links to the history of the people, places and events that have made Plainfield the quintessential New England town and the center of many of America’s key historical events.

The Town of Plainfield is nestled in the picturesque Berkshire Highlands, where Hampshire County meets Franklin and Berkshire Counties. As part of the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts, Plainfield offers stunning natural beauty and a serene rural charm.

Situated at an elevation of 1,620 feet above sea level, Plainfield is home to the highest point in Hampshire County, with the peaks of West Mountain reaching 2,125 feet.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Plainfield spans a total area of 21.3 square miles (55 km²), of which 21.0 square miles (54 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²), or about 1%, is water.

Plainfield was first settled in 1770, primarily by settlers from the town of Bridgewater, and was officially incorporated as a district within the town of Cummington in 1786, and as a town on June 15, 1807.

In the 1800s, Plainfield thrived as an agricultural community, focusing primarily on sheep farming and leather production for tanning. However, the widespread adoption of steamships and the globalization that followed in the 1870s made importing mutton and leather from Australia and New Zealand much more affordable. This shift significantly reduced the profitability of Plainfield’s agricultural industries, leading to a sharp population decline over the following decades as many residents migrated westward. After more than a century of decline, modern Plainfield has experienced a resurgence in population growth.

Today, Plainfield is home to a vibrant and diverse community, including farmers, artists, writers, professors, gardeners, and professionals — and, naturally, historians. Be sure to explore the links on this page to learn more about our unique town, and don’t miss our blog for the latest news and events!