Pittsfield is the largest city in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. The US The Census Bureau recorded a population of 43,927 as of the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Berkshire County and one of the larger cities in western Massachusetts. This is where the Berkshire Museum is located.
Berkshire Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Pittsfield, the
Berkshire Museum is a multifaceted institution blending art, science,
and natural history, making it a unique cultural hub in the Berkshires.
Founded in 1903 by paper magnate Zenas Crane as a gift to the community,
the museum spans multiple floors with permanent and rotating exhibits.
The ground level focuses on natural history, featuring stuffed animals,
dinosaur fossils, regional flora and fauna, minerals, gems, and the Hall
of Innovation highlighting local inventors and notable figures from the
area. The basement houses a small but engaging aquarium and reptile
exhibit, showcasing species like poisonous dart frogs, tarantulas, and
tropical fish. Upstairs, art galleries emphasize theory and works by
Berkshire-region artists, with past rotating exhibits including tattoo
art, Da Vinci's inventions, and displays on indigenous communities.
Hands-on activities cater to all ages, from interactive science demos to
creative workshops, ensuring it's family-friendly. Open Monday through
Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, admission is charged for adults and
children, with free street parking nearby. Visitors praise its variety
and educational value, often spending a couple of hours exploring,
though some note it's ideal for a rainy day.
Herman Melville's
Arrowhead
Herman Melville's Arrowhead is a National Historic Landmark
and preserved 18th-century farmhouse where the renowned author resided
from 1850 to 1863, penning his masterpiece Moby-Dick and other works
like Pierre, The Confidence-Man, and numerous short stories. Built in
the 1780s, the yellow-painted house at 780 Holmes Road draws literary
enthusiasts for its connection to Melville's creative peak; he named it
"Arrowhead" after discovering Native American artifacts on the property,
which was once Mohican land before their displacement in the early 19th
century. Guided tours, lasting about an hour and limited to 12 people,
run hourly from 10 AM to 3 PM (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), focusing
on Melville's life, family, and inspirations—such as the view of Mount
Greylock from his study window, which resembled a whale's back and
sparked ideas for his whaling epic. The site includes a restored
interior, a piazza (veranda) overlooking the mountains that inspired The
Piazza Tales, a barn with a gift shop selling Melville's books, and the
self-guided Melville Trail—a nature walk with educational markers
highlighting scenic spots. Admission includes parking, and seasonal
events like barn readings enhance the experience. Reviews highlight its
literary significance but suggest visiting in cooler months to avoid
summer heat, with some finding the lecture-style tours engaging for
history buffs.
Hancock Shaker Village
Just on the edge of
Pittsfield in nearby Hancock, Hancock Shaker Village is a living history
museum preserving the legacy of the Shakers, a religious sect known for
their communal living, craftsmanship, and innovations. Established in
the 1780s as the third-largest Shaker community in the U.S. (peaking at
300 members), the 20-building site includes authentic structures like
the iconic Round Stone Barn (1826), a brick dwelling house, and
workshops demonstrating Shaker inventions such as the flat broom and
circular saw. Visitors can explore the farm with heritage livestock,
medicinal herb gardens, and exhibits on Shaker principles of pacifism,
celibacy, gender equality, and anti-slavery views—the community
sustained itself through adoption until nearly vanishing (only a few
followers remain today in Maine). Guided tours cover daily life, butter
churning, and craftsmanship, with hands-on activities for children and
adults. The on-site café offers simple fare like grilled cheese, and
events include a September country fair and October haunted ghost tours.
Open seasonally, it's recommended to spend a few hours wandering the
expansive grounds; some reviews note friendly staff but suggest
improvements for animal welfare in enclosures. As a top-rated
attraction, it's a short drive from Pittsfield and provides a deep dive
into utopian American history.
Bousquet Mountain
Bousquet
Mountain, a 200-acre adventure destination in southwest Pittsfield,
offers year-round outdoor thrills with a rich history dating back to the
1930s when it started as a mink farm before transforming into one of the
Berkshires' first ski areas. Pioneering features included the world's
longest rope tow with hand grips for safety and early night skiing via
General Electric floodlights. In winter, it boasts 24 runs for skiing
and snowboarding, served by two chairlifts and two surface lifts, plus a
terrain park, snow tubing (geared toward families and smaller kids),
kids' camps, adult racing leagues, and lessons for all levels. Summer
shifts to hiking trails, an annual music concert series, outdoor movie
nights, and events like professional skier competitions. The Lift Bistro
Pub provides dining with brunch on Sundays and dinner options,
overlooking the slopes, while a food truck and live music add to weekend
vibes. No on-site lodging, but nearby hotels are convenient. Visitors
rave about the well-groomed trails, friendly staff, and affordable
rentals, making it a versatile spot for groups—though some note tubing
might bore older kids after a while.
Pittsfield State Forest
Encompassing 11,000 acres in the Berkshire Mountains northwest of
Pittsfield, Pittsfield State Forest is a vast wilderness area ideal for
nature lovers, offering over 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain
biking, horseback riding (in summer), and cross-country skiing (in
winter). Established in the early 20th century, the forest features
diverse terrain with moss-covered rocks, waterfalls, creeks crossed by
wooden bridges, and lush greenery that explodes into autumn foliage. Key
highlights include Berry Pond for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing
(brown trout, northern pike), and boating; accessible paths for
wheelchairs; and camping sites with showers, firepits, grills, and
picnic tables—popular spots like Berry Mountain offer panoramic views of
the Catskills. The NY Overlook provides stunning vistas into New York
State, and hunting is permitted in season (wear bright clothing).
Year-round activities make it a staple for locals and visitors, with
guided hikes available through operators like Berkshire Camino. Reviews
emphasize its breathtaking scenery and tranquility, though some advise
checking for seasonal closures.
Lake Onota
Lake Onota, a
pristine 617-acre body of water in western Pittsfield, serves as a
recreational gem with activities centered around its sandy beach and
clear waters. Formed by glacial activity, the lake (also called Onota
Lake) features Onota Lake Beach on the east side, equipped with picnic
tables, grassy areas, shade trees, and paved nature trails through
nearby woods—perfect for summer swims, sunbathing, and family outings.
Boating options include canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and
motorboats (rentals at Onota Boat Livery on the north side), while
fishing is popular from the southeast shore dock, yielding brown trout,
northern pike, bass, rainbow trout, and catfish. The lake's scenic
backdrop of rolling hills makes it ideal for sunset viewing, fall hikes,
or winter ice fishing when frozen. No admission fee for the public
beach, and it's accessible year-round. Visitors appreciate its clean
waters and mountain views, often combining visits with nearby dining or
boating adventures.
Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre, a
beautifully restored 1903 vaudeville house in downtown Pittsfield,
stands as a cornerstone of the city's performing arts scene, hosting
concerts, dance performances, plays, and community events. Part of the
Berkshire Theatre Group (established 94 years ago), the brick facade
venue seats about 780 and features ornate architecture, including
columns and arched windows, evoking early 20th-century grandeur. After a
multimillion-dollar renovation in 2006, it reopened with modern
amenities while preserving historic details like gilded moldings and a
grand chandelier. Year-round programming includes Broadway-style shows,
musicals, and festivals, often drawing acclaimed performers. Tickets
vary by event, with nearby parking available. Audiences commend its
intimate atmosphere and acoustics, making it a must for theater
enthusiasts exploring Pittsfield's cultural district.
Barrington
Stage Company
Barrington Stage Company (BSC) is an award-winning
professional theater company in Pittsfield, operating three
venues—including the Boyd-Quinson Stage and St. Germain Stage—producing
innovative musicals, plays, and world premieres. Founded in 1995, BSC
has gained national recognition for hits like The 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee (which transferred to Broadway) and focuses on new
works alongside classics. The company's three spaces host nearly nightly
performances, educational programs, and youth theater, with a summer
season drawing crowds for shows like Anna in the Tropics. The intimate
settings foster close audience-actor connections, and tickets are
available online. Located in the downtown cultural district, it's
praised for its high-quality productions and contributions to
Pittsfield's vibrant arts scene, often recommended for evening
entertainment.
Situated in the Berkshires area of western Massachusetts, Pittsfield
lies roughly 140 miles west of Boston, 40 miles east of Albany, New
York, and 150 miles north of New York City. You can reach it through key
highways, nearby airports, Amtrak rail services, and bus lines. Main
pathways include Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) for drivers,
the Lake Shore Limited by Amtrak for trains, and operators such as
Greyhound or Peter Pan for buses. Journey durations depend on your
starting point: expect around 2.5 to 3 hours from Boston by vehicle or
bus, 45 minutes from Albany, and 3 to 4 hours from NYC via train. Local
public transportation is somewhat restricted, though the Berkshire
Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) runs bus routes in the area. Be sure
to verify the latest timetables, since certain services like seasonal
rail options can change.
By Air
Pittsfield's municipal airport
(PSF) is modest and geared toward general aviation and private aircraft,
lacking commercial flights. The nearest airports with commercial
operations include:
Albany International Airport (ALB): Located
about 40 miles to the west (45-60 minutes drive). It accommodates
airlines such as Delta, American, Southwest, and United. Upon arrival,
you can rent a vehicle (from companies like Hertz or Avis), use a taxi,
Uber, or Lyft (costs around $80-100), or book a shuttle. There's no
straight public transport link to Pittsfield; consider a bus or cab to
Albany's Rensselaer station for Amtrak links.
Bradley International
Airport (BDL, Hartford, CT): Approximately 60 miles southeast (1-1.5
hours by car). This busier facility handles flights from various U.S.
airlines. Choices include renting a car, ridesharing (~$100-150), or
shuttles (certain spots like Miraval Berkshires provide free group
shuttles if reserved ahead).
Boston Logan International Airport
(BOS): Around 140 miles east (2.5-3 hours drive). Great for overseas
arrivals. From here, link up with Amtrak (from Boston South Station), a
Greyhound bus, or drive yourself. Shuttles or rideshares from the
airport run about $200-300.
For connections or stopovers, apps
such as Rome2Rio or Google Maps offer up-to-date suggestions. Services
like Andrus Car Service provide transfers from these airports.
By
Car
The most adaptable way to travel is by driving, as Pittsfield
sits at the crossroads of U.S. Route 7 (running north-south) and U.S.
Route 20 (east-west), close to I-90 (Mass Pike). Rely on navigation
tools like Waze or Google Maps for live traffic info; expect tolls on
I-90 (roughly $5-10 from Boston). Parking is free in the downtown area
and at many sites.
Estimated driving distances and durations from key
cities (under normal circumstances; monitor for winter weather):
From Boston, MA: 140 miles, about 2.5-3 hours via I-90 west
From New
York City, NY: 150 miles, around 3-3.5 hours via I-87 north to I-90 east
or Taconic State Parkway north to Route 295 east
From Albany, NY: 40
miles, approximately 45-60 minutes via I-90 east
From Hartford, CT:
60 miles, roughly 1-1.5 hours via I-91 north to I-90 west
From
Springfield, MA: 45 miles, about 1 hour via I-90 west
From
Providence, RI: 170 miles, around 3 hours via I-95 north to I-90 west
By Train
Amtrak offers direct routes to the Joseph Scelsi
Intermodal Transportation Center in Pittsfield (1 Columbus Ave).
Lake Shore Limited: A daily service from Boston or New York City heading
to Chicago, with a stop in Pittsfield. From Boston: roughly 3-4 hours,
tickets $30-60. From NYC (Penn Station): about 3.5-4 hours, $40-80.
Berkshire Flyer: Available on summer weekends from NYC to Pittsfield,
taking around 4 hours, run by Amtrak. Tickets approximately $50-100.
For trips from elsewhere, transfer at Albany-Rensselaer station.
Reserve through amtrak.com; the facility includes parking, bike storage,
and ties to local BRTA buses. Certain resorts provide shuttles from
Wassaic station (Metro-North from NYC).
By Bus
Long-distance
buses stop at the Joseph Scelsi Intermodal Transportation Center.
Greyhound: Runs daily from Boston (about 3.5-4 hours, $25-55) and
places like NYC (roughly 4-5 hours, $30-70) through Albany.
Peter Pan
Bus Lines: Services from Boston, Springfield, or NYC, with comparable
durations and prices. Visit peterpanbus.com for details.
Other
Options: Green Mountain Express handles area links; BRTA covers routes
inside the Berkshires.
Apps such as Busbud or Wanderu help with
bookings and comparisons. Buses are economical but might require
changes.
Pre-Colonial and Native American Period
Pittsfield, located in the
Berkshires of western Massachusetts, was originally part of the
ancestral lands of the Mahican (also spelled Mohican) Native Americans,
a tribe of the Algonquian language family. The area was known as
Yokuntown or Mahaiwe, meaning "the great meadow" or "place of the
waters," referring to the fertile valleys and the confluence of the
Housatonic River's branches. The Mahicans lived in semi-permanent
villages, engaging in agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade along the
river systems. European contact began in the early 17th century with
Dutch and English traders, leading to conflicts and land cessions. By
the mid-18th century, diseases, warfare (including King Philip's War in
1675-1676), and colonial expansion had significantly reduced the Mahican
population, forcing many westward to Stockbridge and beyond. The land
that became Pittsfield was acquired through a series of treaties and
purchases, often under duress, with the final major conveyance occurring
around 1737 when the Province of Massachusetts Bay bought large tracts
from the Mahicans for nominal sums.
Colonial Settlement and
Incorporation (1750s–1780s)
European settlement began in earnest in
the 1750s, amid the French and Indian War (1754–1763), which made the
frontier region precarious due to raids. The area was initially surveyed
as the Pontoosuck Plantation (sometimes spelled Pontoosuc), named after
the Mahican word for "falls on the brook," referring to local
waterfalls. In 1752, Colonel Jacob Wendell of Boston, a prominent land
speculator, purchased 24,000 acres from the Massachusetts General Court
for £2,300, dividing it into lots for sale. Early settlers, primarily
from eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut, arrived around 1753,
establishing farms and building log cabins. The first meetinghouse was
erected in 1762, serving as both a church and town hall.
The township
was officially incorporated on April 21, 1761, and renamed Pittsfield in
honor of William Pitt the Elder, the British Prime Minister who
supported the colonies during the war against France. This name change
reflected patriotic sentiments and gratitude for Pitt's policies. By
1764, the population had grown to about 200, focused on agriculture,
lumbering, and small-scale milling. The town's central Park Square, with
its iconic elm tree (planted around 1680 and standing until 1861),
became a focal point for community gatherings. During the Revolutionary
War (1775–1783), Pittsfield contributed soldiers to the Continental
Army, hosted committees of correspondence, and was a stopover for
troops. Notably, in 1777, British Colonel John Brown was captured nearby
after the Battle of Bennington and imprisoned in Pittsfield before his
execution as a spy. The war disrupted growth, but post-independence, the
town stabilized as Berkshire County's shire town (county seat) in 1761,
a status it retains.
Early Republic and Industrial Beginnings
(1790s–1850s)
In the post-Revolutionary era, Pittsfield evolved from
a frontier outpost into a prosperous agricultural and manufacturing
center. The population reached 2,000 by 1800, supported by fertile soils
ideal for grains, dairy, and sheep farming. The Shays' Rebellion
(1786–1787), an uprising of debt-burdened farmers against high taxes,
had ripple effects in Berkshire County, with Pittsfield residents
divided; some sympathized with the rebels, while the town militia helped
suppress the revolt. The early 19th century saw infrastructure
improvements, including turnpikes connecting to Albany and Boston,
fostering trade.
Industrialization took root with water-powered mills
along the Housatonic River branches. By the 1820s, woolen and cotton
textile mills proliferated, capitalizing on local sheep herds—the
Berkshires were a major merino wool producer. Key figures included
Lemuel Pomeroy, who established an armory in 1808 (later producing
rifles for the War of 1812), and Thomas Gold, a mill owner and
politician. The arrival of the Western Railroad (later Boston & Albany)
in 1841 transformed Pittsfield into a transportation hub, spurring
growth. By 1850, the population exceeded 5,000, with mills employing
hundreds. Socially, the town became a cultural center, hosting the
Berkshire Cattle Show (precursor to modern fairs) since 1811 and
attracting luminaries like Herman Melville, who lived nearby at
Arrowhead from 1850–1863 and drew inspiration from the Berkshires for
works like "Moby-Dick."
Civil War Era and Gilded Age Boom
(1860s–1890s)
During the Civil War (1861–1865), Pittsfield sent over
500 men to the Union cause, with mills supplying wool for uniforms.
Post-war, the textile industry peaked, with companies like the
Pontoosuck Woolen Mill employing immigrants from Ireland, Canada, and
Germany. The population doubled to over 11,000 by 1870. In 1872,
Pittsfield claimed a unique place in sports history when a 1791 bylaw
banning ball games near the meetinghouse was rediscovered, suggesting it
as the earliest written reference to baseball in North America—though
this is debated.
The Gilded Age brought opulence, with wealthy
industrialists building mansions. Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. summered
here, and the town's elm-lined Park Square became a symbol of New
England charm. Incorporation as a city occurred on January 1, 1891,
reflecting urban growth. Electric streetcars arrived in the 1890s, and
industries diversified into paper, machinery, and electrical goods.
However, labor tensions arose, with strikes in the 1880s over wages.
Culturally, the Berkshire Museum opened in 1903 (though planned
earlier), and theaters like the Colonial flourished.
Early 20th
Century: Industrial Peak and Notable Events (1900s–1940s)
The turn of
the century marked Pittsfield's industrial zenith. In 1903, Stanley
Electric Manufacturing Company (later acquired by General Electric in
1903) established a massive transformer plant, employing thousands and
making Pittsfield the "Electrical Capital of the World." By 1920, GE's
workforce reached 10,000, driving population growth to over 40,000.
Immigrants from Italy, Poland, and Lebanon added diversity, forming
ethnic neighborhoods.
Significant events included the 1902
presidential incident: On September 3, President Theodore Roosevelt's
carriage was struck by a trolley on South Street, killing Secret Service
agent William Craig—the first such death in service—and injuring
Roosevelt. This tragedy led to enhanced presidential security. In 1907,
Pittsfield became the Aero Club of America's balloon ascent station,
hosting early aviation experiments. The 1911 Berkshire Cattle Show
featured the first U.S. agricultural fair airplane flight. World War I
(1917–1918) boosted GE's production of electrical equipment, while the
Great Depression (1930s) caused layoffs, mitigated by New Deal projects
like the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Pittsfield State Forest.
World War II (1941–1945) revived the economy, with GE producing radar,
ordnance, and plastics, employing over 13,000 at peak. Post-war, the
city thrived, but environmental issues emerged from GE's use of PCBs
(polychlorinated biphenyls) in transformers, contaminating the
Housatonic River—a legacy leading to EPA cleanup efforts starting in the
1990s.
Mid-to-Late 20th Century: Decline and Transition
(1950s–1990s)
The post-WWII boom gave way to deindustrialization. GE
began downsizing in the 1960s due to automation and competition, with
employment dropping from 13,000 in 1970 to under 1,000 by 2000. The
1980s recession exacerbated this, leading to high unemployment and urban
decay. The population peaked at 57,000 in 1960 but fell to 45,000 by
1990. Downtown North Street suffered from suburban flight and mall
competition.
Efforts to diversify included promoting tourism in the
Berkshires, with attractions like the Whitney Center for the Arts
(opened 1976) and Bousquet Ski Area. The 1970s saw cultural
revitalization, including the restoration of the Colonial Theatre
(1903). Environmental activism grew over GE's PCB pollution, culminating
in a 1997 consent decree for river cleanup, costing GE over $500
million. Socially, the city grappled with integration, with African
American migration increasing post-WWII.
Modern Era:
Revitalization and Cultural Renaissance (2000s–Present)
Since the
2000s, Pittsfield has reinvented itself as an arts and culture hub. The
2004 opening of MASS MoCA in nearby North Adams inspired similar
efforts, including the Whitney Center's expansion and the Berkshire
Museum's renovations. Downtown revitalization, funded by grants and
private investment, transformed vacant mills into lofts, galleries, and
breweries. The population stabilized around 43,000 by 2020, with growing
diversity from Latino and Asian communities.
Key milestones: In 2012,
the city celebrated the 150th anniversary of baseball's alleged origins.
Economic recovery focused on healthcare (Berkshire Medical Center),
education (Berkshire Community College), and tourism, with events like
the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair. Challenges persist, including opioid issues
and climate resilience, but initiatives like the 2020s green energy
projects signal progress. As of 2025, Pittsfield blends its industrial
heritage with a vibrant creative economy, exemplified by the annual
Berkshire International Film Festival and ongoing Housatonic cleanup.
Pittsfield, the largest city and county seat of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts, is situated at coordinates 42°27′N 73°15′W. It lies approximately 135 miles west-northwest of Boston, 39 miles east of Albany, New York, and 55 miles northwest of Springfield, Massachusetts. The city occupies a central position in the Berkshires region, nestled in the Housatonic River Valley. It is bordered by six towns: Lanesborough to the north, Dalton to the east, Washington to the southeast, Lenox to the south, Richmond to the southwest, and Hancock to the west. This placement makes Pittsfield a hub for the surrounding rural and mountainous areas, with easy access to major routes like U.S. Routes 7 and 20, which intersect in the city, and Massachusetts Routes 8, 9, and 41. The nearest interstate, I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), is about 10 miles south in Lee.
Pittsfield's topography is characterized by its location in a valley between two mountain ranges: the Berkshire Hills to the east and the Taconic Range to the west. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 1,039–1,040 feet (317 m) above sea level, which contributes to its varied terrain of rolling hills, valleys, and forested uplands. The landscape is predominantly hilly, with the urban core occupying roughly one-quarter of the city's land area in the flatter valley floor, while the outskirts extend into more rugged, elevated terrain. This setting in the Berkshire Hills—a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains—features a mix of glacial deposits, rocky outcrops, and fertile soils that historically supported agriculture and milling. The area's surficial geology includes materials from glacial activity, as mapped by the USGS, with features like moraines, till, and outwash plains influencing local landforms.
The city's geography is heavily defined by the Housatonic River, where its east and west branches converge in Pittsfield before flowing south for about 149 miles to Long Island Sound. The eastern branch descends from the Berkshire Hills, while the western branch is fed by prominent lakes such as Onota Lake and Pontoosuc Lake (the latter partially in Lanesborough). Numerous brooks and streams, including those that historically powered mills for lumber, grist, paper, and textiles, drain into the river, contributing to the area's agricultural and industrial development. Water covers about 1.99–2.00 square miles (5.17 km²), or 4.70% of the city's total area of 42.46 square miles (109.98 km²). Sections of the Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area line the riverbanks, preserving floodplains and wetlands. However, the river and its floodplain have faced environmental challenges, including contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the former General Electric facility, leading to ongoing remediation efforts since the 1990s, including sediment removal and a $250 million settlement in 1999.
Pittsfield has a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfb), influenced by its high elevation and inland position. Winters are harsh and snowy, with an average annual snowfall of 72.8–73.0 inches (1,850 mm) and temperatures dropping to 0°F (−18°C) or below about 13 times per year; the record low is −26°F (−32°C) set on February 15, 1943. Summers are warm and humid, with highs reaching 90°F (32°C) around six times annually; the record high is 101°F (38°C) on July 23, 1926. Annual precipitation averages 44.23 inches (1,122 mm), spread across 173 days with measurable rain or snow, and 161.4 days with at least 0.01 inches. Monthly means range from January's 30.1°F high and 13.9°F low to July's 79.3°F high and 58.0°F low. The climate supports a mix of deciduous forests and outdoor recreation but also poses risks like heavy snow and occasional flooding along the Housatonic.
Historically, Pittsfield's geography supported agriculture, with fertile valleys and abundant water resources fostering crop growth and sheep farming—particularly after the introduction of Merino sheep in 1807, making it a woolen manufacturing center. Natural resources include timber from surrounding forests and waterpower from the river and brooks, which drove early industrialization. Protected areas dominate the western portion, notably the 11,000-acre (4,500 ha) Pittsfield State Forest, offering hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, picnicking, and a swimming beach amid dense woodlands. The Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area preserves riverine habitats, supporting biodiversity including fish, birds, and mammals. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Mohican people, who utilized the river and forests until displacement in the 18th century due to disease and conflict. Today, these features make Pittsfield a gateway to outdoor activities in the Berkshires, blending urban development with natural preservation.
Garrett McNamara is an American world record surfer.
Pittsfield is the most populous city in Berkshire County. The 45,793
inhabitants identified in the 2000 census lived in 19,704 households;
among them were 11,822 families. The population density was 434 per km².
21,366 residential units were recorded in the town. The population was
92.58% White, 3.66% African American, 0.14% American Indian, 1.16%
Asian, and 0.81% from other races; 1.64% stated that they belonged to
several ethnic groups.
Among the 19,704 households, 27.3% had
children under the age of 18; 34.0% were single households. The average
household size was 2.26, the average family size 2.89 people.
The
population was distributed among 23.2% under 18 years, 6.9% from 18 to
24 years, 28.3% from 25 to 44 years, 23.0% from 45 to 64 years and 18.6%
from 65 years or older. The median age was 40 years.
The median
household income was $35,655 and the median family income was $46,228.
Pittsfield's per capita income was $20,549. 11.4% of the population
lived below the poverty line.