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Florida is a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is home to the east portal of the Hoosac Tunnel, as well as Whitcomb Summit (elevation 2,172 ft or 662 m), the highest point of the Mohawk Trail. Florida contains the village of Drury. As of the 2010 census the town had a total population of 752.[1]
"History"
Most of what is now Florida was originally a grant to the town of Bernardston, Massachusetts, made sometime before 1771. The first settler, Dr. Daniel Nelson, arrived around 1783. The town was incorporated in 1805 and named "Florida", perhaps because Spanish Florida was a topic of conversation at the time.[2][3]
The town was mostly agrarian, with maple syrup, wool and potatoes being the main products of the town for many years. However, in the mid-nineteenth century, the town was a boom town for the workers involved in the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel, a rail tunnel which begins on the town's eastern border and extends through the Hoosac Range to neighboring North Adams. Today the town is sparsely populated, with most residents working in neighboring towns.[3][4]
"Local Legend"
Florida Mass is home to the famous Hoosac Tunnel which many people consider to be one of the most haunted places in the United States. During the construction of the tunnel in the 1800's it is documented that 193 men lost their lives leading to the nickname "The Bloody Pit" . In the heart of the Berkshires it is believed that many of the local residences are Haunted, the most notable may be the Houghton Mansion. The Houghton Mansion is located in North Adams, Mass which is a college town located at the base of the Hoosac Mountain. It is believed that some of the foundation was built with left over stone excavated from the construction of the Hooosac Tunnel. It is believed to be haunted by a man named John Widders who was the chauffeur for Albert C. Hpoughton and his family. Supposedly the Chauffeur of the former Mayor felt responsible for the death of the family after a driving accident. Widders overcome by guilt went into the barn of the Mansion following the accident and took his own life. In addition to Widders it is said that many other apparitions have been seen at the Mansion.
"The Urban Legend of the Whitcomb Summit Retreat, The Florida Hunter, & The Hoosac Yowie"
The Hoosac Mountain is part of what is known as the Mohawk trail which showcases a large Indian Community throughout the western mass region. The Hoosac Mountain is the Highest peak in Massachusetts and home to Florida, Mass which is said to be the coldest town in Massachusetts. A top the Hoosac Mountain sits the Whitcomb Summit Retreat now owned by Jim Pearo. However the resort itself has been in place for nearly a century or more. It is a popular destination for travelers to pull over and take in the astonishing 65 Mile View. The Retreat whch for many years looked to be abandoned has recently been acquired and revamped by Pearo. The Retreat is a common overnight destination for Leaf peepers, Bird Watchers, snowmobilers, and hunters.
"The Florida Hunter and The Hoosac Yowie"
This is an Urban Legend in Western Mass that is one in the same and has started to rise in popularity in recent years. Many visitors to this area have reported hiking through the woods while being stocked by an unknown creature or being. Unlike the familiar legends of Bigfoot, and not to be confused with Australia's version of Bigfoot also known as "The Yowie". "The Florida Yowie" is described as a being about six to seven feet tall an about 200 pounds. Witnesses describe its appearance to be green, black and brown in color almost like moving moss. According to local residents, Indians believe that "The Yowie" is the protector of the forest. Supposedly it watches over the sacred land of the Mohawk Region while it could be deciphered in many ways, some believe that the forest can come alive and will do harm to those that disrespect the inhabitants of this sacred land.
Skeptics have created their own version of the Urban Legend known simply as the Florida Hunter. There are many primitive hunting and maple shacks strewn throughout the woods in the Hoosac region some locals believe that it is simply a man wearing a Ghillie Suit hoping to ward off would be trespassers. Of course as the legend grows people describe seeing "The Hunter" Sporting a bow, Machete, and an Axe. Local legends are often based on past incident or simply the wild imagination of kids that have evolved a cautionary tale. Local kids often associate "The Florida" hunter with a fictional incident that evolved from a bed time story that "The Hunter" or "Yowie" is actually a former owner of the Whittcomb Summit Retreat.It is said that he had killed all the guests one weekend after finding that his eldest son had been killed accidentally from a stray bullet. It is said that when police arrived on the scene of the Brutal Massacre the owner of the resort escaped into the wilderness wearing a Ghillie suit and still to this day he is the woods enacting revenge on careless Hunters. Some people believe that this story came about because most of the sighting take place during the months of hunting season. The same story is told often in which the youngest son, who was left behind, is actually the one who lurks in the woods of the Hoosac Region!