However, the Bedford proprietors sold large tracts of land at low prices to stimulate settlement of the area, so each colonist had generous amounts of land. They used the land for farming, livestock and dairy production, finding that the hillsides produced excellent pasturage for cattle. Through the 18th and 19th century, the town's development continued at a very slow pace, since the terrain, limited agricultural acreage and lack of extensive freshwater sources did not attract settlers who found other lands still available.

Some industrial development took place in Tolland, including establishment of a clock making factory in the 1840's and of a tannery on the Farmington River about 1850. The clock factory, which employed 20 men, was the largest one in the state at the time and produced 72% of the value of all clocks manufactured in the Commonwealth in 1845. In 1872, construction began on the Lee and New Haven Railroad which was expected to bring prosperity and further development to Tolland.

Tolland Mass is located in Located Southwestern Massachusetts,bordered by Otis and Blandford on the north; Granville on the east; Hartland and Colebrook, Connecticut on the south; and Sandisfield on the west. Tolland is 27 miles west of Springfield and 115 miles southwest of Boston.