Easthampton is typical of many towns incorporated in Western Massachusetts just after the American Revolution. Originally part of Northampton, Easthampton became a district in 1785 and a full-fledged town in 1809. In the mid-19th century Easthampton saw a good deal of industrial development, much of it financed and organized by Samuel Williston. He also founded a local bank and the Williston seminary, the forerunner to today’s Williston Northampton School (a private coeducational college preparatory school). Although now paved, Main Street looks much the same today as it did when this picture was taken.