Conway, Massachusetts

Conway, Massachusetts, began life as the South West District of Deerfield, added to the original settlement in 1712. In 1762 it was finally divided into 140 lots, one for each of Deerfield's residents. In 1767 residents of the District petitioned the General Court, asking to be set aside as a separate township. Their wish was granted and the South West District became Conway, named after General Henry Conway, a British officer. At one time Conway had sixteen neighborhoods, each given a descriptive name such as Broomshire and Cricket Hill. Many industries utilizing waterpower and railway transportation thrived here from the mid 19th century through the turn of the 20th century.