Major Bibliographical References See Attached 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property 1.28 Acres Quadrangle name Windsor, MA UTM References Memorial Tower *L118| 16/514/61010 Zone 1417/115/01710 Easting Northing cLL LL EL GLL 1 LILL Quadrangle scale 1:25,000 BL LLu LliLu Zone Easting Northing LL LLILLL FLU LLILULI LILIL HL LL Verbal boundary description and justification Reference Northern Berkshire Registry of Deeds, Book 639, Page 631, April 25, 1974 and Book 380, Page 343, July 16, 1926. See attached sketchmap. List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries state code N/A county code N/A state code county 11. Form Prepared By Sarah J. Limmerman, Director, Preservation Planning with name/title James N.
Parrish, Berkshire County Regional Planning Commission code organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date 11/11/85 street & number 80 Boylston Street telephone (617) 727-8470 city or town Boston state MA 02116 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: national state X local As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89 665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. State Historic Preservation Oricer signature Valeiie A Talmage title Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Commission date 12/20|85 For NPS use only Welam B.
gr Keeper of the National Register Attest: Beth Savage OmefoL Regictratie cao 7/14/86 date 2-14-86 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1983 O - 419-311 NPS Form 10-900-a (3-82) United States Department of the interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form CHESHIRE: Stafford Continuation sheet Hill Memorial Item number For NPS use only received date entered 8 Page As captain of the local militia, Joab Stafford played an important role in the area's military life. That role came to particular prominence in the summer of 1777 when British General John Burgoyne launched the Northern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.
Marching down the Hudson River from Canada, Burgoyne's force of 7,700 British and German troops, Canadians and Indians took the American's Fort Ticonderoga on July 6, 1777 and nearby Skeneshorough and Fort Anne, New York the following day. Colone1 Barry St: Leger moved south along Lake Ontario to beseige Fort Stanwix by inflammatory rumors of atrocities on the part of Indians under Burgoyne's command, northern New Englanders began to take up arms. When Burgoyne, cut off from his supply train, resolved to take Bennington, where the Americans nad stored quantities of supplies, his Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel Baum, was met with stronq resistance on the part of some 2,600 Americans under General John Stark. Stark and his militiamen attacked Baum at Bennington on August 16,1777, and forced his retreat.
On that day, four days after the train bands and alarm lists of New Providence, East Housuck (now Adams), Lanesborough and Gageborough (now Windsor), resolved at Stafford's tavern to organize as the Silver Greys and to fight in defense of Bennington, Captain Stafford led the 131 volunteers into battle at Bennington. Colonel Seth Warner, commander of the Massachusetts militias, assigned Stafford to the attack of one of the British redoubts. Stafford and his men easily took the fortification, scattering the German and Loyalist troops stationed there. The battle at Bennington forced Burgoyne to press on to Albany, where American General Horatio Gates held a heavily fortified position at Bemis Heights. After assaults on September 19 and October 1, Burgoyne withdrew to Saratoga, soon thereafter surrendering 5,700 of his troops and their arms to Gates on October 17, 1777.
Stafford, slightly wounded, returned to New Providence with his men after the Bennington Battle. In later life, Stafford sold his store (1785) and tavern (1792) and moved to Albany (1795), returning to Cheshire in 1800. Stafford died in Cheshire at his son's home and was buried at the windsor Road Cemetery. Continued OMB NO.1024-0018 Expires 10-31-87 1 NPS Form 10-900-a (3-82) OMB NO. 1024-0018 Expires 10-31-87 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form CHESHIRE: Stafford Hill Continuation sheet Memorial Item number For NPS use anly recelved date entered 8 Page 2 Efforts to memorialize Colonel Stafford's contribution at the Battle of Bennington were initiated by the Berkshire Chapter Sons of the American Revolution in 1926.
The group raised $4500 for the purchase of the site and construction of the monument. A descendant of Colonel Stafford purchased the Windsor Road Cemetery and arranged for the removal of Stafford's remains to the monument. Construction of the monument began in the spring of 1921. Colonel Stafford's remains were reinterred at the crypt on Memorial Day, 1927. The memorial was finished and dedicated July 4, 1927. Present at the dedication were U.S. Senator Frederick Gillett, Governor John Weeks of Vermont and John C. Hali, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Ernest E. Rodgers, President General of the National Society S.A.R. stated that the Stafford Hill Memorial was "the greatest accomplishment of any Chapter of S.A.R.
in the United States." NPS Form 10-900-a (3-82) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form CHESHIRE: Stafford Hill Continuation sheet Memorial 9 Item number OMB NO. 1024-0018 Expires 10-31-87 For NPS use only received date entered 1 Page 9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Book s Massachusetts Soldiers & Sailors in the American Revolution Volume XIV, Page 870, State Printing Office, Boston, n.d. The Stafford Hill Settlement, the Rev. C. S. Pease of Adams - (1914 with additions). The History of the Town of Cheshire Mass., Ellen M. Raynor & Emma L. Petiictere, 1885.
Pamphlets "Stafford Hill Memorial," (Proposal) Berkshire Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Larkin Print, North Adams (1926); lists architects, Dimensions, committee "Program Dedication of the Memorial Tower, Staffords Hill in Cheshire July 4, 1927." Berkshire Chapter, S.A.R., The Minute-Man Printing Co. North Adams, Mass (1927). "Records 1924-1930," Massachusetts Society Sons of the American Revolution P. 56-57 Massachusetts Tricentennary Observance Town of Cheshire, Mass. in Association with Berkshire Chapter, S.A.R. July 4, 1930 Dedication of the Massachusetts and New York State Tablets. Invitation to a Dedication of Two Memorial tablets, Stafford Hill memorial Tower, October 7, 1983 Commemorating the formation of the Franklin Lodge of Masons and the Vol. Independent Company, The Silver Greys, Sept.
20, Periodicals Berkshire Eagle, May 31, 1927, "Corner Stone of Stafford Hill Memorial Tower Laid with appropriate exercise. Berkshire Eagle, July 1, 1927, "Cheshire Ready to Dedicate Memorial Tower to Col. Stafford on July 4th. Continued NPS Form 10-900-a (3-82) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form CHESHIRE: Stafford Continuation sheet Hill Memorial Item number 9 OMB No.
1024-0018 Expires 10-31-87 For NPSuse only received dale entered Page 2 Berkshire Eagle, July 5, 1927, "Pioneer Settlers Honored in Cheshire at Dedication of Stafford Hill Memorial." Berkshire Eagle, July 15,1933, "Silver Greys Tablet on Stafford Hill, Cheshire to be Dedicated Öctober 16" Bedicatror of two Tabletss on Sta, ord Hiricand Civic Groups Join in Cheshire Fagle, October 9, 1933, "Tablets Dedicated at Stafford Hil1, North Adams Transcript, "Over Pathways of the Past," 1938 William B.
Browne WASO Form - 177 ('R" June 1984) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Sabsteatire Boview 86000260 Stafford Hill Memorial Berkshire County MASSACHUSETTS resubmission - nomination by person or local government - owner objection - appeal Substantive Review: Lsample Drequest meclly siguificant c 1oat conum Lappeal WorkingNo. DEG 311985 Fed. Reg. Date: -3-87 Date Due: /30/86 - 2/14/86 Action: LACCEPT 2-14-56 _RETURN. _REJECT_ Federal Agency: #NR decision accept, B 2-12-86 see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: _technical corrections cited below _substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Category Ownership Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? 7.
Description L yes - no Condition -excellent -good L fair L deteriorated -ruins L unexposed Check one -unaltered Daltered Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance J summary paragraph - completeness L clarity LJ alterations/integrity L dates - boundary selection Status Accessible Present Use Check one -original site -moved date. 8. Significance Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates Builder/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) J summary paragraph completeness clarity applicable criteria Xl justification of areas checked J relating significance to the resource context relationship of integrity to significance J justification of exception other historie archeology, community olanning. 9. Major Bibliographical References 10.
Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UTM References Verbal boundary description and justification 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: national _state State Historic Preservation Officer signature _local title 13. Other date -Maps -Photographs -Other Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to - Signed.. . Date Phone: - GPO 918-450 Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Stafford Hill Memorial, 1927 Stafford Hill Rd., Cheshire, MA 01225 James N.Parrish, BCRPC, 1979 Photo 1 of 6 36/16 View W.N.W. of Stafford Hill Memorial Tower, 1600' elevation Pratt Hill & Round rocks on Mt. Greylock in back. Stafford Hill Memorial, 1927 Stafford Hill Rd., Cheshire, MA 01225 James N. Parrish, BCRPC, 3/23/83 Photo 2 of 6 RC 2/7 View N.W.
of Stafford Hill Memorial Tower, long view from right of way Round rock on Mt. Greylock in back. Stafford Hill Memorial, 1927 Stafford Hill Rd., Cheshire, MA 01225 James N. Parrish, BCRPC, 1979 Photo 3 of 6, 36/15 View of 3' x 4' Marble plaque over South arch of the Stafford Hill Memorial. oleel the toinh uThiedlicpulation Stafford Hill Memorial, 1927 Stafford Hill Rd., Cheshire, MA 01225 James N. Parrish, BCRPC, 1979 Photo 4 of 6, 36/14 View of Col. Joab Stafford's tomb- stone in the top of the crypt, base of Stafford Hill memorial (Marble 36" x 20"). Until 1927 in the Windsor Road cem- etery, Cheshire. Note rust stain left center from rain drip off iron flag pole. THIS TABLET IS ERECTED -BY- THE STATE OF NEW YORK DURINC THE 150T ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE AS A TRIBUTE.
TO TWE VALOR AND PATRIOTISM - OF THE - SONS OF MASSACHUSETTS WHO TOCK PART IN THESE BATTLES ON NEW YORK SOIL- LONG ISLAND. WHITE PLAINS BENNINGTON: SARATOGA ANE' STONE ARABIA- AND WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE DEFENCE OF FORTSTAYMIX AND SULLIVAN-CLINDON CAMPATGN 1930 Stafford Hill Memorial, 1927 Stafford Hill Ra., Cheshire, MA 0I225 James N. Parrish, BCRPC, 10/11/83 Photo 5 of 6 115/1 View of the only remaining bronze tablet from Memorial (23 3/4" x 36"). The State of New York tablet enplaced with Massachusetts tablet in 1930. Originally there were five tablets en- placed between 1927 & 1933.
The other three commerated the History of New Providence, the founding of Franklin Lodge and the Master list of the "Silver Greys" MEMBER SAOREN ORRE MERICAN RE LO HHE MEMOKOF COLONEL JOAB STAFFORD LIRSI SHLILEN OF NEW PROSTDENCA KUDEDEK OI"THE SPYEL CRETSE TEE OE BENNTACTOL TECES STLEANDIVONUO CIKENESS WHASR Stafford Hill Memorial, 1927 Stafford Hill Rd., Cheshire, MA 01225 James N. Parrish, BCRPC, 10/11/83 Photo 6 of 6 115/3 View of C.A.R. Tablet enplaced in 1967 as a replacement (Bronze 18" x 24"). SS Uhr Commonuralth of Massarhusrtts Unum of Cheshire 01225 OFFICE OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN November 26, 1985 Massachusetts Historical Commission Dear Board Members: The Board of Selectmen unanimously approve the Stafford Hill Monument's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Our action has received the endorsement of the voters of our town at the last annual meeting by their approval of an appropriation of $2,500 for architectual fees for its restoration and protection against vandalism. Further, be advised that we have on file, letters from various parts of our country from former residents who wish to contribute funds for the completion of this task. feel with your endorsement of this project, we be able to interest federal and state agencies assist the town and private parties to make this a valuable addition to our area's tourist industry. Sincerely, CHESHIRE BOARD OF SELECTMEN jsetaetSiiD Richard J. Willbrant Chairman /bg Cnunty Cummissioners CHAIKAN JOHN J. PIGNATELLI LENOX PETER F. MENARD WINDSOR JOHN W. BARTELS CALTON Berkshire Onunty COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE Berkshire County Courthouse Pittsfield.
Massachusetts 01201 Telephone (413) 448-8424 SAC 0 1761 December 9, 1985 National Historical Commission Dear Board Members: The Berkshire County Commissioners voted, on December 3, 1985, to support the Cheshire Selectmen's nomination of Stafford Hill Monument to the National Register of Historic Places. We feel that historical places and monuments dedicated to preserving the history of our nation should be preserved for the coming generations. We would appreciate your support in acceping the Stafford Hill Monument as a national historical landmark. Very truly yours, Fratetiilipn Chairman mati.. BERKSHIRE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BCC/gm - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS SENATE STATE HOUSE. BOSTON 02133 TEL. 722-1625 - SEN. PETER C. WEBBER BERKSHIRE DISTRICT TEL.
442-503S SENAAYS & MEANS ON SENATE COMMITTEE ON RULES JOINT COMMITTEES: COMMERCE AND LABOR NATABAC ULTURERCES AND PUBLIC SERVICE December 11, 1985 Valerie Talmadge, Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Commission 80 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Dear Ms. Talmadge: I am writing to express my strong support for the application submitted by the town of Cheshire which seeks to include the Stafford Hill Monument on the National Register of Historic Places. The Stafford Hill Monument, erected in 1927 on the original center of town, is dedicated to several events in local history. First, it commemorates Colonel Joab Stafford, the town's first settler and leader of the volunteer company of "Silver Greys" which fought at the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
The Monument is also dedicated to the founding of the first Baptist Church in Berkshire County, and one of the first Masonic Lodges in western Massachusetts. The town took over ownership of the Stafford Hill Monument in 1974 in an effort to prevent further vandalism and deterioration. Of the four bronze plaques on the monument, only two remain. The structure itself is in need of repairs, and landscaping must be done. Cheshire voters recently agreed to appropriate $2,500 towards its restoration, but it will require a great deal more to return this important monument to local history to its original condition. National Register standing will play a key role in the preservation of the Stafford Hill Monu- ment, and I urge you to support its nomination. Thank you for your attention. Very truly yours, Fetee Wibber, Peter C.
Webber State Senator Berkshire District PCW: sW P 15 > 78/ 086 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Secretary of State Michael Joseph Connolly, Secretary Massachusetts Historical Commission Valerie A. Talmage Executive Director State Historic Preservation Officer December 20, 1985 Carol Shul1 National Register of Historic Places Department of Interior National Park Service P.O. Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed you will find the following nomination forms: Boston (Hyde Park), Christ Church, 1220 River Street. Cheshire, Stafford Hill Memorial, Stafford Hill Road. Wellesley, Wellesley Farms Railroad Station, Croton Street Extension. Al1 have been voted eligible by the State Review Board and have been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer.
Owners were notifie of pending State Review Board consideration 30-75 days before the meetinc and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Comments received to date are attached to the nomination forms. Sincerely, Seran Zimmeman Sarah Zimmerman Director, Preservation Planning Massachusetts Historical Commission SZ/1s 80 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 (617) 727-8470 DEC 3/ 1985