Here Stood the West Hoosac Blockhouse

Built in 1756 on house-lot Number Six by decree of the Great and General Court of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay after an urgent appeal from the homesteaders, the West Hoosac Blockhouse served as their sole refuge from the French and Indians allied against them. On the evening of July 11, 1756, it stood beside the massacre of Sergeant William Chidester, his son James, and Captain Elisha Chapin, who were killed by enemies in ambush outside its northern portal. In later peaceful assembly, the foundations of town government were laid there, and the place honored the original settlers of West Hoosac who endured the perils and appalling loneliness of the wilderness in defense of this barrier township.

Williamstown, Massachusetts · United States