Great Barrington

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Great Barrington is rooted in the era preceding European colonization. Originally, these lands, known as "Mahaiwe," were inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. The first European colonists began settling the area around 1726, laying the foundations for the future community.

The town was officially incorporated in 1761. At that time, it received its current name in honor of the British Viscount Barrington. This event solidified the settlement's administrative status within the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

Key Factors in its Development

Great Barrington's growth was driven by a combination of geographical advantages and historical events:

• Geography and Resources: The town is located in the picturesque valley of the Housatonic River. This waterway not only contributed to the fertility of the soil but also became a source of power for the first water mills and sawmills.
• Political Activity: Great Barrington played a notable role in early American history. In 1774, locals organized early resistance to the British judicial system by seizing the county courthouse, an event that marked the region's spirit of independence.
• Transportation Accessibility: Its favorable location at the crossroads of trade routes helped the town become a local economic center for the Berkshire region.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the town's economy relied on agriculture and small-scale craft production. Later, thanks to the river's energy, paper and textile mills began to develop here.

A major milestone in the town's history occurred in the late 19th century when, with the arrival of the railroad, Great Barrington was transformed into a popular summer resort for the Gilded Age elite. Additionally, the town is known for a technological breakthrough: it was here in 1886 that William Stanley first demonstrated the successful operation of an alternating current (AC) electric lighting system, illuminating the town's Main Street.

Historical Highlights

• 1726 — The first European colonists establish a settlement on lands previously inhabited by the Mohican Indians.
• 1761 — Great Barrington officially separates from Sheffield and is incorporated as a town, named after the British Viscount Barrington.
• August 16, 1774 — Townspeople seize the county courthouse, performing one of the first organized acts of resistance against British judicial authority in America.
• January 1776 — Colonel Henry Knox's expedition passes through the town, transporting heavy artillery to help end the Siege of Boston.
• 1868 — W.E.B. Du Bois, the future world-renowned sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, is born in Great Barrington.
• 1880s — The town becomes a popular Gilded Age resort, leading to the construction of luxurious estates like Searles Castle.
• March 20, 1886 — Inventor William Stanley successfully demonstrates the world's first alternating current (AC) street lighting system.
• 1900s — The development of the transport network, including trolley lines, strengthens the town's status as the commercial center of South Berkshire.
• 1967 — Arlo Guthrie releases the song "Alice’s Restaurant," with a plot based on real events that occurred in the town.
• 1979 — The W.E.B. Du Bois Boyhood Homesite is designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
• May 29, 1995 — A devastating F4 category tornado passes through the town, causing significant damage to infrastructure and the fairgrounds.
• 2005 — Great Barrington's historic downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 2012 — The Smithsonian Magazine names Great Barrington the "Best Small Town in America."

Key Stages of the Town's Development

Great Barrington's evolution is a journey from an industrial hub to the cultural and resort heart of the Berkshires. Below are the major milestones that shaped the modern town:

• Industrialization Powered by the River (mid-19th century)
  Harnessing the water power of the Housatonic River allowed for the opening of textile and paper mills. This transformed the agrarian settlement into a significant industrial center for the region, ensuring economic growth and an influx of labor.

• Gilded Age Resort Transformation (late 19th century)
  With the arrival of the railroad, the town became a popular vacation spot for wealthy residents of New York and Boston. The construction of luxurious mansions (such as Searles Castle) and public buildings radically changed the architectural landscape and urban structure, adding elements of luxury and park culture.

• Electrification and Technological Breakthrough (1886)
  The successful launch of the world's first commercial alternating current (AC) lighting system by William Stanley not only brought fame to the town but also jumpstarted infrastructure modernization. Great Barrington became a pioneer in technology adoption, attracting the attention of investors and engineers.

• Restoration and Renovation (post-1995)
  A devastating tornado that passed through the town became a catalyst for large-scale urban planning efforts. The restoration of the fairgrounds and the historic center allowed for the renewal of aging buildings and the improvement of public spaces while preserving historical charm.

• Launch of the BerkShares Local Currency (2006)
  Great Barrington became the center of a unique economic experiment with the introduction of a local currency. This move strengthened the local economy, supported small businesses, and shaped the town's image as a community focused on sustainable development and independence from global corporations.

• Establishment of a Cultural Brand (21st century)
  Being named the "Best Small Town in America" (2012) and the development of sites related to the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois finalized the town's transformation into a cultural and tourism cluster. Today, the town's economy is built on gastronomy, the arts, and heritage tourism.

Architectural Landscape and Urban Planning

The architecture of Great Barrington is an eclectic blend of styles, reflecting the town's transformation from an industrial settlement into a fashionable resort. The urban structure formed around its main artery—Main Street—and the Housatonic River, where historic buildings coexist harmoniously with the natural landscape of the Berkshires.

Historical Eras and Styles

Several key architectural layers corresponding to different stages of the town's development can be traced in its appearance:

• Colonial and Federal Styles (18th – early 19th century): Early buildings were characterized by simplicity and functionality. Surviving residential homes from this period are predominantly made of wood, featuring symmetrical facades and the clean lines typical of rural New England.
• Victorian Era and Industrial Style (mid-19th century): With the growth of industry and the arrival of the railroad, the town center filled with sturdy brick commercial buildings. During this period, the Italianate style gained popularity, featuring decorative cornices and tall arched windows.
• The Gilded Age and Historicism (late 19th – early 20th century): This was the most striking period in the town's architecture. Wealthy summer residents from major metropolises built luxurious seasonal estates here, introducing elements of European classics: French Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Tudor style.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

A number of architectural landmarks define Great Barrington's unique visual identity and are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places:

• Searles Castle: The town's most famous landmark, built in the 1880s. This majestic French Renaissance Revival (chateau-style) structure was constructed using local blue sandstone and dolomite. The project involved the renowned architects from the firm McKim, Mead & White.
• Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center: Opened in 1905, this theater is an excellent example of early 20th-century architecture. The building's facade combines classical proportions with French Renaissance decorative elements.
• St. James Place: A former Episcopal church built from local limestone. It is a textbook example of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring characteristic pointed windows, stained glass, and massive stonework.
• Main Street: The central street is an architectural ensemble in itself, where 19th-century brick commercial rows have been preserved, creating the atmosphere of a cozy and respectable American town.

Prominent Figures of Great Barrington

Great Barrington has been the home or birthplace of many individuals who have left a significant mark on history, science, and culture. Here is a list of the most notable figures whose lives were closely linked to this town.

• W.E.B. Du Bois
  Sociologist, Historian, Civil Rights Activist
  One of the most influential African American intellectuals of the 20th century was born and raised in Great Barrington. He was the first African American to earn a PhD from Harvard and a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Sites associated with his childhood are National Historic Landmarks.

• William Stanley Jr.
  Physicist, Engineer, Inventor
  It was in Great Barrington that Stanley revolutionized the energy industry. In 1886, he successfully demonstrated the world's first alternating current (AC) power distribution system, lighting up offices and shops on the town's Main Street, ushering in the era of modern electrification.

• Arlo Guthrie
  Folk Musician, Singer
  Although Guthrie is originally from New York, Great Barrington earned its place in music history through his iconic song "Alice’s Restaurant Massacree." The events of the song, which became a 1960s counterculture symbol, took place in this town—at a former church building (now the Guthrie Center) and the local dump.

• Karen Allen
  Actress, Designer
  The star of "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Starman," Allen chose Great Barrington as her home many years ago. In addition to her acting career, she is known locally as the owner of a textile arts studio and an active participant in the community's cultural life.

• James Weldon Johnson
  Writer, Poet, Diplomat
  A prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance and the author of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." He spent his summers in Great Barrington, where he wrote his famous collection of poetic sermons, "God's Trombones."

• Frank R. Stockton
  Writer, Humorist
  The author of the famous riddle story "The Lady, or the Tiger?". In the final years of his life, Stockton owned the Claymont Court estate in Great Barrington, where he continued his literary work.

• Anson Jones
  Physician, Politician
  A native of Great Barrington who went down in history as the last President of the Republic of Texas (1844–1846) before its official annexation by the United States of America.