Here's a cache located in a section of West Stockbridge whose
history is unknown to many. Popular today as a setting for
outdoor weddings it has a long history. Please be respectful
and if there is ceremony taking place come back another time.
The cache is not located in the stone wall, which incidentally,
contains locally quarried marble. Placed with permission.
West Stockbridge − The Early Years
West Stockbridge-a tranquil and fertile valley fed by the
Williams River-was incorporated in 1774. At that time, it was
home to 40 families and a vital farming community.
The original town center was located on the western edge of town
on what is now West Center Road. Here, the first meeting
house was built in 1788 − without windows or heat.
Originally shared by Baptists and Congregationalists, it later
became the West Center Congregational Church. It burned to
the ground in 1956 as a result of a lightning strike. An
outdoor stone chapel now commemorates the church.
While farming thrived, it was the mining of marble, iron and
lime that shaped the destiny of the town. Between 1790 and 1830,
there were 30 quarries, 5 marble mills and several lime kilns. With
such extensive industry and proximity to New York, West Stockbridge
became the first railroad terminus in Berkshire County.
During this time, commercial activities shifted to the current
town center because of access to both the river (for power) and the
railroads (for transportation).
West Center Church - Now the West Center Chapel