Douglas, MA

Douglas is a town in Douglas County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 2,868 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The town was first settled in 1792 by Ebenezer and Asa Douglas. The town was named for General James Douglas, who fought in the American Revolution. The first mill in Douglas was built by Ebenezer Douglas in 1793 on the banks of the Westfield River. In 1814, a sawmill and gristmill were added to the complex. These mills were destroyed by fire in 1851 and 1852 respectively. A cotton mill was built on the site of these mills in 1865 and operated until it closed down in 1902.

Today, most of Douglas' economy revolves around its small number of businesses that provide goods and services to residents and tourists alike: a general store (since 1814), a post office (since 1810), two restaurants (one since 1912), two bed-and-breakfasts (since 1897), an ice cream shop (since 1922), two gas stations/convenience stores (one since 1924), three hair salons/barbershops (two since 1915), one funeral home/memorial park service center (since 1899). There are also three churches: Congregationalist Church founded in 1792; United Methodist Church founded in 1850; and First Baptist Church founded c1825).

Douglas is also home to several historic sites including: