Among Massachusetts’s historical treasures, Catamount, Massachusetts stands out for its authentic glimpse into the past. This abandoned settlement, once a hub of activity and dreams, now serves as a reminder of how communities evolve and sometimes disappear entirely.
County: Franklin
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 42° 39′ 10.8 N, 72° 45′ 21.6 W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
Established: 1800s
Disestablished: 1900s
Comments: Research shows that catamount is a former village of Colrain, Massachusetts. In 1812, the schoolhouse that once stood in Catamount was the first schoolhouse to fly the United States Flag.
Remains: Today, the area from the mid 18th century until the late 19th century, Catamount was mainly a farming community. Nearby Pocumtuck Mountain was often a popular destination for people around the state. In 1880, the Old Home Days festival on Pocumtuck Mountain was visited by Massachusetts Governor John Davis Long.
Current Status: The former settlement is now due in part to the remote, mountainous location, Catamount was abandoned in the early 20th century. Much of the land was acquired by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1967, leading to the creation of the Catamount State Forest. Catamount is currently accessible to hikers and snowmobilers.
Remarks: The rise and fall of Catamount mirrors the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized much of Massachusetts’s early development. Its story continues to resonate with those interested in understanding the challenges of frontier life.
Nestled in the hills of Franklin County, Catamount stands as one of Massachusetts’ most intriguing ghost towns, with a rich history that spans over two centuries. This former village, technically part of Colrain, Massachusetts, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rural development and eventual decline of small New England communities.
Early Settlement and Development
While the town of Colrain itself was settled in 1735, historical records indicate that Catamount wasn’t settled until sometime in the mid-1700s or early 1800s. The settlement developed on Catamount Hill in the southwestern section of Colrain, near what is now known as the Griswoldville section of town. The name “Catamount” likely derives from the Eastern mountain lions (also called catamounts) that once roamed the area.
The early settlers of Catamount were primarily farmers who established a tight-knit agricultural community in this remote, mountainous location. According to research from the Sun Journal, many of the original settlers were veterans of the Revolutionary War who were too poor to afford land elsewhere, making this challenging terrain their only option for homesteading.
Despite its isolation, Catamount grew to become a functioning village with its own schoolhouse and a decent population. Though technically part of Colrain, most locals historically referred to it as its own distinct community, reflecting the independent spirit of its inhabitants.
Historical Significance
Catamount’s most notable historical claim to fame came in 1812 when its schoolhouse became the first public schoolhouse in the United States to fly the American flag. This patriotic act occurred during the War of 1812, a time of heightened national pride and identity formation for the young nation. This historical milestone is commemorated today by a stone marker, one of the few remaining physical reminders of the once-thriving community.
From the mid-18th century until the late 19th century, Catamount functioned primarily as a farming community. The surrounding natural landscape, particularly Pocumtuck Mountain, became a popular destination for people from around the state. In 1880, the Old Home Days festival on Pocumtuck Mountain was even visited by Massachusetts Governor John Davis Long, highlighting the area’s regional significance during this period.
Decline and Abandonment
Like many remote rural communities in New England, Catamount began to experience population decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the challenging mountainous terrain, limited economic opportunities, and the broader trend of urbanization that drew rural residents to cities in search of industrial jobs.
Due in large part to its remote, mountainous location, Catamount was largely abandoned by the early 20th century. The schoolhouse and most of the homes gradually disappeared, leaving little trace of the once-vibrant community. The roads that once connected the settlement to surrounding areas deteriorated over time, further isolating what remained of Catamount.
Preservation and Current Status
In 1967, much of the land that once comprised Catamount was acquired by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from the Western Massachusetts Electric Company, leading to the creation of the Catamount State Forest. This acquisition helped preserve the natural landscape and what little remained of the historical settlement.
Today, Catamount State Forest encompasses approximately 1,125 acres of protected land. The roads that once allowed vehicular access to the area were open until relatively recently but have since been closed to vehicles due to excessive erosion. According to FranklinSites.com, the roads were popular destinations for Jeep Jamborees until environmental concerns necessitated restricting access to those traveling by foot, bicycle, or snowmobile.
While the 2020 Census indicates that the broader Colrain area has approximately 1,600 residents, the specific Catamount area remains largely uninhabited. The former settlement is now accessible to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who can reach it via Catamount Hill Road or Stacy Road, with additional access points available from Charlemont and Heath, though these routes are considerably longer.
Visitors to Catamount today will find little evidence of the former village. The schoolhouse and most homes have long since disappeared, with few physical traces remaining after nearly a century of abandonment. The stone marker commemorating the site of the first schoolhouse to fly the American flag stands as one of the few tangible connections to the area’s historical significance.
Archaeological and Historical Interest
Despite its physical disappearance, Catamount continues to attract interest from historians, archaeologists, and those fascinated by New England’s ghost towns. The site offers valuable insights into the patterns of settlement, community development, and eventual abandonment that characterized many rural New England communities.
The story of Catamount mirrors the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized much of Massachusetts’s early development. Its rise as an agricultural community, its moment of patriotic significance during the War of 1812, and its gradual decline and abandonment reflect broader historical trends in New England’s development.
For those interested in exploring Massachusetts ghost towns, Catamount offers a unique opportunity to connect with the state’s rural past. While much of the physical evidence of the settlement has disappeared, the preserved landscape of Catamount State Forest allows visitors to experience the challenging terrain that both attracted and ultimately defeated its early settlers.
Sources:
1. History of Massachusetts Blog. “Ghost Towns in Massachusetts.” https://historyofmassachusetts.org/ghost-towns-massachusetts/
2. FranklinSites.com. “Catamount State Forest – Colrain – MA.” https://www.franklinsites.com/catamount/
3. WSBS. “This MA Village Has Been Deemed As A ‘Ghost Town’.” https://wsbs.com/this-ma-village-has-been-deemed-as-a-ghost-town/
4. Sun Journal. “Knowing Catamount.” September 25, 2005.
5. Western Mass Hilltop Hikers. “Catamount State Forest in Colrain.” https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/2024/09/10/catamount-state-forest-in-colrain/