The Western Massachusetts town of Florida, MA is located in the northeast corner of Berkshire County. It was incorporated back in 1805 and was primarily an agriculture community. Because of its high elevation the farming was limited to wool, maple sugar and potatoes. Today Florida, MA is known around the county for having some of the best turnips. Local stores start putting their “Florida Mountain Turnip” signs out late summer through the fall. The town is also home to the eastern gate of the Hoosac Tunnel which was one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century. It cost $21,241,842 and took 22 years to complete taking 196 lives during that time. From Florida, MA’s lofty perch you can experience some of the most spectacular views of the hills.
Route 8 in Florida
Florida, MA information:
Population: 676
Settled: 1783
Incorporated: 1805 Florida, MA town website
First settler was Dr. Daniel Nelson in 1783
Elevation: 1895ft
Town Hall: 367 Mohawk Trail, Florida, MA 01343
Phone: (413) 662-2448
Use our directory to find places to shop, eat, stay and play at in the Berkshires.
The Hoosac Tunnel is a railroad tunnel in the Northern Berkshire towns of Florida and North Adams owned by Guilford Transportation. It runs under the Hoosac range of mountains for a total length of 25,031 feet or 4.74 miles.
The Whitcomb Summit Resort is located on the Mohawk Trail at the top of beautiful Florida Mountain in the Berkshires and offers the most spectacular mountain views in the area.
