Architectural Wonders
of The Berkshires

Get ready as The BerkshireWeb prepares to explore the wonderful world of Berkshire Architecture. We will be featuring profiles on prominent architects and unique structures in the Federal, Greek Revival, Neo-Gothic, Victorian styles as well as the long awaited interactive production of The Guilded Age.


* Alford Town Hall * Hoosac Tunnel * Lenox Library * Merrell Tavern*
* Registry of Deeds Building *



Alford Town Hall

Main Street
Alford, MA
Built in 1855




Hoosac Tunnel

Florida, North Adams, MA

The eastern gate to the Hoosac Tunnel is found in Florida along the Deerfield River. One of the great engineering feats of the 19th century, the tunnel cost $21,241,842 and 196 lives, and took 22 years to complete. The tunnel runs 4 3/4 miles. It was during its construction that the first commercial use of tri-nitro-glycerine was introduced.




    Lenox Library

    18 Main Street
    Lenox, MA
    413-637-0197
    National Register of Historical Places
    Reading room, an art gallery, exhibits and displays, and an outdoor garden. Open Year Round, Closed on Sundays.


 The federal style Lenox Library was originally a courthouse designed by Isaac Damon in 1815.

Isaac Damon (1781-1862) was from Greenfield, MA in the Pioneer Valley, just west of the Berkshires. From 1818-1830 Damon designed numerous churches and meetinghouses throughout the Connecticut Valley and Massachusetts but it was earlier, in 1815, when Isaac designed the crown jewel of Historic Lenox Village, The Lenox Library.

It is interesting to note that one of the unique characteristics of Damon's churches was the introduction of the belfry to the church tower. The tower's first stage windows feature a round topped-louvered opening in recess while upper steeple stages are blind (windowless). Balustrades are small or absent and none of Damon's churches have spires.

If one were to compare the Lenox Library to some of Damon's churches (i.e. The Church at Court Square in Springfield), it is not difficult to imagine how this style evolved into his church design. Just add some girth and the steeple !




Merrell Tavern

Main Street
Lee, MA
Built during the federal period (1810-1815)
National Register
Today a Country Inn

Two Hundred year old authentic brick stage coach Inn located on two acres of park like grounds extending down to the banks of the Housatonic River.




Registry of Deeds Building

Lanesboro, MA
Built in 1827
Historic American Building



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