Chester, Massachusetts, originally chartered as Murrayfield in 1765, was incorporated as Chester in 1783. Its early development was centered around the “Old Town Center” on Chester Hill, a farming community that saw modest growth in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The construction of the Western Railroad (later Boston & Albany Railroad) in 1841 significantly shifted the town’s focus, spurring industrial growth in the “Chester Factory Village” along the Westfield River, which soon overshadowed the original hilltop settlement. This period brought about new industries and a bustling center, though the town, like many New England hilltowns, experienced population fluctuations as residents moved west for better farmland or to larger industrial cities for work. Chester also holds the unusual distinction of having recorded both the hottest and coldest temperatures in Massachusetts history.

Today, Chester, Massachusetts, remains a small town in Western Massachusetts with a population of around 1,200. It retains much of its historic character, with the Chester Factory Village Historic District reflecting its industrial past. The town embraces its rural setting and is known for its natural beauty, nestled on the eastern edge of the Berkshires. While the bustling industrial activity of its past has faded, Chester continues to maintain a strong sense of community, evident in its local government, historical society, and cultural offerings like the Chester Theatre Company. The town’s historical buildings, including the well-preserved “Old Town Center,” serve as a testament to its long and varied history.