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The notably stony soil of Berkley did not discourage the early settlers of the community who did some shipbuilding but essentially concentrated on agriculture. The town is still rural in character, and has retained much of its 18th century landscape.
Berkley was a well known Indian settlement area because of the rich shellfish and water fowl resources to be found there. These and the woodlands in the town also drew the first European settlers. But the town was abandoned by residents because of its vulnerability to Indian or French attack at the outbreak of King Philip's war, when townspeople sought shelter and safety in Taunton. These wars delayed development of the community, as did the lack of water power to fuel the industrial mills of Colonial times. However, there were sufficient clay deposits to stimulate a small pottery industry for a time.
Still a small, rural community, Berkley is well loved by its residents for its peacefulness and its reminders of the past, among which is the Berkley-Dighton Bridge, possibly the oldest swing span bridge in the state.
Southeastern Massachusetts, bordered by Dighton on the west, Taunton on the north, Lakeville on the east, and Freetown on the south. Berkley is 12 miles north of Fall River; 42 miles south of Boston; 21 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island; and 198 miles from New York.
Narrative compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
FY2008 TAX RATES: $7.69 per thousand
Population: 6,391
County: Bristol
Select Board:
Julie E. Taylor 508-823-7067
Robert G. Anctil 508-821-4604
Mark Pettey, Jr. 508-822-1495
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