The town of Cummington, Massachusetts, has a history that dates back to its purchase in 1762 as Township Number Five by Col. John Cumings of Concord. It was settled in the spring of that year by surveyor Samuel Brewer and officially incorporated on June 23, 1779. The town’s early years were marked by the establishment of various industries powered by the rivers and streams, including sawmills, grist mills, tanneries, and woolen and cotton mills. The population peaked at 1,200 in 1830, and the town was home to several churches and schools, reflecting a diverse and thriving community¹.

In contemporary times, Cummington is a small rural town at the western end of Hampshire County, known for its cultural diversity and scenic beauty. With a population of 829 as of the 2020 census, it remains a tight-knit community. The town is celebrated for the Cummington Fair, an active tradition since 1869, and the historical Kingman Tavern Museum. It also boasts the William Cullen Bryant Homestead, preserving the legacy of the noted poet and editor. Cummington continues to be a place where small businesses flourish, and residents value the quiet, pastoral lifestyle¹.