In the conflict with the mother country Hadley was again a prominent centre of important affairs. After the fight at Saratoga a part of Burgoyne's army was marched across the country and encamped in the meadow at the south end of the street, while the officers were entertained in the village. Burgoyne presented his tent and sword to his host, as keepsakes, and the sword is preserved by descendants of the family to this day. There are also relics and traditions relating to these British soldiers preserved in Hatfield, an offshoot of Hadley, across the river to the north. As time went on, not only Hatfield and Amherst were separated from the mother town, but other streets were added eastward of the broad front street, and as the balance of power increased on the outskirts the village church was moved to the second street, and led to the formation of two societies—hence the twin church spires.
Closely identified with the history of the town has been the Hopkins Academy, an institution founded by Governor Hopkins in the early days, in the cause of education. Most of the descendants of the town who have become prominent in the growth of the country were graduates of this school. The old brick structure, in the middle of Academy Lane, was burned. Another building was put up at the centre of Middle street, and this was also burned. It has just been replaced in better form than ever and the original Hopkins fund is in a highly prosperous condition.
Of course, for a long time, the travels of the enterprising were confined to journeys to Boston as a centre, and trips up and down the river, but when the great west began to open up golden promises to the fathers of the present generation, Hadley contributed a large share of the pioneers eager for new conquests. One young man was six weeks journeying to Ohio, and other families have to tell of fathers going all the way to California and returning with only a single lump of gold as a keepsake. And more have planted homes in the new countries, and now the children are coming to look up the traditions of the parents.
Then came the civil war, and again Hadley was to the front. The young men of the present generation had just witnessed a bi-centennial celebration (in 1859) on the old broad street, with its unique Indian attack and gala dress parade. Their turn at the
