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.
This information was provided by
Massachusetts
DHCD.