Pittsfield, County seat in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Description
Pittsfield sits where the branches of the Housatonic River converge and spreads across valleys and hills at an elevation of 1,040 feet (317 meters). Streets run between residential neighborhoods and older brick buildings, while surrounding forested slopes mark the edges of town.
History
The settlement was originally called Pontoosuck, a Mohican name, before being incorporated as Pittsfield in 1761 following a land purchase by Colonel Jacob Wendell. During the 19th century the town grew through textile industry and railroad connections.
Culture
The North Street Cultural District gathers professional theaters, art galleries, and music venues that host regular performances. Community celebrations run throughout the year and shape the rhythm of city life.
Practical
The main square lies on North Street, from where visitors can walk to most key facilities. The town serves as a starting point for trips into the surrounding Berkshire hills and their walking trails.
Did you know?
A document from 1791 mentions a baseball regulation and is considered the earliest known written reference to the sport in North America. This ordinance was issued to protect windows near the field where games took place.
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Wahconah Park
1.4 km
Arrowhead
3.9 km
Berkshire Museum
432 m
Pittsfield State Forest
5.6 km
Berkshire Athenaeum
281 mColonial Theater
531 mTower Mountain
8.6 kmHebert Arboretum
1.5 kmBerry Mountain
8 kmSmith Mountain
7.9 km
Pittsfield Cemetery
2 km
Temple Anshe Amunim
965 mPine Mountain
7.6 km
William Russell Allen House
352 m
Pilgrim Memorial Church and Parish House
1.8 km
Allen Hotel
257 m
Eaton, Crane & Pike Company Factory
956 m
Springside Park
2.4 km
Park Square Historic District
321 m
Berkshire Life Insurance Company Building
429 m
Samuel Harrison House
274 m
Hancock Shaker Village
7.6 km
Old Town Hall
312 m
Charles Whittlesey Power House
2.4 km
Upper North Street Commercial District
479 m
Nichols-Sterner House
7.4 kmCanoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
2.4 km
Old Central High School
130 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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