DeerfieldOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

A Frontier Outpost in the 17th Century

Deerfield, originally known as Pocumtuck, was established in 1673 by English colonists on lands previously inhabited by the Algonquian-speaking Pocumtuck nation. The area, at the confluence of the Deerfield River and the Connecticut River, was valued for its alluvial plains. For decades, Deerfield served as the northwesternmost English settlement in New England, making it a vulnerable outpost in contested territory. The town endured attacks during its early history, including the Bloody Brook Massacre in 1675 during King Philip's War. Following a failed resettlement attempt in 1677, the English reestablished Deerfield in 1682.

The 1704 Raid and Colonial Revival

On February 29, 1704, during Queen Anne's War, a force of approximately 300 French and Native American allies attacked Deerfield in a pre-dawn raid. This assault resulted in the deaths of 56 colonists and the capture of 112 residents, who were then forced to march 300 miles to Canada. Many captives were later ransomed, but about a third chose to remain with their captors. The event became a significant episode in colonial history, documented by survivors like Reverend John Williams. After the colonial wars, Deerfield transitioned from a frontier outpost into an agricultural community. In the late 19th century, interest in colonial revival emerged. The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association (PVMA) was founded in 1870 to memorialize the town's past, and Historic Deerfield, established in 1940, further contributed to preserving the village's early American history and architecture.

• —Deerfield Common — This historic green has been the center of the village since its early settlement. It is part of the Historic Deerfield National Historic Landmark District.
• —Old Burying Ground, Memorial Street — This cemetery has gravestones dating back to the colonial era, including those of victims of the 1704 raid.
• —Frary House, Old Main Street — Built around 1750, this house is presented as the Colonial Revival home of C. Alice Baker, who restored it in the 1890s. It displays New England antiques, Arts and Crafts needlework, and ironware.
• —Memorial Hall Museum, Memorial Street — Housed in the original 1798 Deerfield Academy building, this museum, opened in 1880, preserves the history, art, and culture of the Deerfield region. It contains a collection of local antiquities, including artifacts related to the 1704 Raid on Deerfield.
• —Old Indian House (Sheldon House), Old Main Street — While the original house was destroyed in the 1704 raid, the current building is a reconstruction. The original door, bearing ax marks from the 1704 attack, is preserved at the Memorial Hall Museum.
• —Captives' Monument, Memorial Street — This monument commemorates the residents captured during the 1704 Raid on Deerfield.
• —Deerfield River — The river provided lands that attracted both the Pocumtuck people and English settlers. Its banks offer views of the natural landscape that shaped the town's development.

The period from mid-June to mid-September is suitable for outdoor activities and general tourism, with a peak in the third week of August. During these months, temperatures are warm, averaging above 73°F (23°C), and skies are clearer. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 82°F (28°C).

Autumn, particularly September and October, is popular for foliage viewing, though October sees the highest average precipitation. The Old Deerfield Fall Arts & Crafts Festival takes place in September.

Avoid visiting from December to March if you prefer warm weather, as this is the cold season with average daily high temperatures below 43°F (6°C). January is the coldest month, with an average low of 18°F (-8°C).

Deerfield is in Western Massachusetts, about 100 miles (160 km) from Boston and 30 miles (48 km) north of Springfield. The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL) near Hartford, Connecticut. From the south, take I-91 North to Exit 35, then Routes 5 & 10 North for about 6 miles. From the east or west, take I-90 (MassPike) to Exit 45, then I-91 North to Exit 35.

Within Historic Deerfield, many attractions are walkable along Old Main Street. For parking, a main parking area is behind the Visitor Center at Hall Tavern, with handicapped spaces. Other parking is available at Holy Family Church on Sugarloaf Street and the Leary Lot off North Main Street. All-night street parking is restricted between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1 to May 1.

Deerfield hosts various markets. The South Deerfield antique and vintage market at 242-A Greenfield Rd operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. The Old Deerfield Craft Fairs, including a Fall Arts & Crafts Festival in September, are also events.