|
|
Berkely Massachusetts.
The notably stony soil of Berkley did not discourage the early settlers
of the community who did some shipbuilding but essentially concentrated
on agriculture. The town is still rural in character, and has retained
much of its 18th century landscape. Berkley was a well known Indian settlement
area because of the rich shellfish and water fowl resources to be found
there.
These and the woodlands in the town
also drew the first European settlers. But the town was abandoned by residents
because of its vulnerability to Indian or French attack at the outbreak
of King Philip's war, when townspeople sought shelter and safety in Taunton.
These wars delayed development of
the community, as did the lack of water power to fuel the industrial mills
of Colonial times. However, there were sufficient clay deposits to stimulate
a small pottery industry for a time. Still a small, rural community, Berkley
is well loved by its residents for its peacefulness and its reminders of
the past, among which is the Berkley-Dighton Bridge, possibly the oldest
swing span bridge in the state.
Berkley Massachusetts is located
in Southeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Dighton on the west, Taunton
on the north, Lakeville on the east, and Freetown on the south. Berkley
is 12 miles north of Fall River; 42 miles south of Boston. |