The Berkshire Flyer And the NYC/Berkshire Connection

By: Scout Swonger (They/Them/Theirs)

The grounds Berkshire Theatre Group operate on were once inhabited by the  Stockbridge-Munsee Community of the Mohican Nation. The Munsee people were gradually driven from this land by European colonizers and currently reside in northeastern Wisconsin. We honor the traditions and the peoples indigenous to these lands now known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; the Pennacook, Mahican, Pocumtuk, Massachuset, Nipmuc, Wampanoag, Nauset, and Chappaquiddick. Indigenous people are not relics of the past. They are still here, and they continue to demonstrate talents and gifts amidst a backdrop of ongoing colonialism and oppression. We celebrate their community and seek to honor the rich tradition of storytelling that we share.

——

This July the Berkshire Flyer will be making its inaugural run from NYC to Pittsfield starting July 8th. Berkshire County has long served as a summer getaway destination for New Yorkers, but making the trek one way or the other has not always been straightforward. The arrival of The Flyer brings the promise of easing that logistical burden, helping more city folk getaway to the mindfulness of the mountains for a weekend.

But how did the Berkshires become so entwined with NYC anyway? After all, Boston is also just a 2.5-hour car ride away, and in the same state! And what is the particular allure of the train over other modes of transport? 

The NYC/Berkshire connection began way back at the inception of the county. Back when state lines were still getting hammered out and treaty agreements with the various native tribes were being made and broken, the bottom of today’s Berkshire county was the cause of much dispute and many a kerfuffle. While one transaction, the Westenhook Patent, seemed to designate the land to New York, another deal made later meant to sell the same land to Massachusetts. Bitter words and brutality ensued for a time, and the state of the border was under dispute for quite some time until it was ultimately settled as a portion of Massachusetts in 1786.

An early map of the region, showing just how much the lines and names have changed since the 18th Century!

And there is a geographical sense to this border confusion. For, especially in the days of more rudimentary transportation, the mountains made for tricky traversing. Boston may now be within the same state border, but New York City was an easier trek topographically. Though the road from the Hudson River to the Berkshires is still mountainous, it was still easier on the carriages than that from here to the Atlantic.

Even as technology advanced and transportation grew more efficient, planes, trains, and automobiles all leaned to the New York route of travel. And among all those modes of transport, the rail continues to be a favorite of the northeast in a way it is not in the rest of the country. The reason for this is also partially geographical. While the United States as a whole is more geographically dispersed, the early-colonized northeastern corridor is more densely populated with large cities existing in closer proximity. This makes a speedy passenger rail a much more appealing mode of transport from, say, New York to Boston than taking a flight (and certainly less of a headache than trying to drive in either city). But when the distances become longer, the travel time of train versus flight weighs far heavier in favor of flight. Even buses are a more logical option in terms of accessibility! 

This is not only due to the geographical facts, but the history of the infrastructure as well. The railways currently in use today are all legacy rails, meaning that what lines were put down years ago are pretty much what we are working with today. And the transit that is taking up many of the westward lines is primarily used for industrial transit rather than passenger, limiting the availability of departure and arrival times. Of course, that is partially due to a vicious loop of supply and demand – fewer time options lead to fewer travelers lead to fewer time options – but the previously stated geographical factors certainly tip the scales towards flight-favored travel in that region. 

A map of the Northeastern Corridor rail line

But, being in that northeastern corridor where commuting by rail is standard, getting a train stop on a commuter line from a major city is a way to carve out an identity in relation to that place. And so the Berkshires is a natural nature haven for those in NYC looking to escape the city grind – in particular, its sweltering summer heat – and find some repose amidst the plethora of trees and fresh air. So, similar to the heavy NYC crossover between places like New Haven and Poughkeepsie, the Berkshires fill the hole in between, providing our own brand of beautiful vistas and cultural richness. 

Having spent a period of my own life going from NYC in the fall, winter, and spring to more natural surroundings in the summer, I have been lucky to appreciate the value of the practice. And while the Hudson Valley and quaint New England towns have their own features to recommend them, no area is quite like Berkshire County. In just 605,000 acres, our 32 towns boast a truly astounding number of cultural institutions and natural wonders. It is almost the perfect country counterpart to the city, where many feel no reason to leave because it feels like the whole world is there. Practically anything one might seek to do – from exploring a bit of history, to hitting the trails or the water in any number of ways, and of course seeing any type of show you please – can be done in the Berkshires. And now, all you have to do now is hop a train!

 

Berkshire Flyer riders get 20% off tickets to a BTG produced show by showing a train ticket or calling in and giving a reservation number to an associate at the time of purchase. Stop by The Colonial Theatre at 111 South Street in Pittsfield or call the ticket office at 413-997-4444 to order tickets for a weekend getaway!


References:

Bielinski, Stefan. “The Westenhook Patent.” The Colonial Albany Social History Project, 2005, https://exhibitions.nysm.nysed.gov//albany/na/westen.html.

Leffel, Tim. “Traveling the USA’s East Coast by Train.” Cheapest Destinations Blog, 25 Feb. 2022, https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2022/02/27/east-coast-by-train/.

Lenox Historical Society. “The Establishment of Berkshire County.” Lenox History, 18 May 2015, https://lenoxhistory.org/lenoxhistorypeopleandplaces/lenoxhistoryplaces/the-establishment-of-berkshire-county/.

Lenox Historical Society. “Settlement of Berkshire County Begins with Sheffield.” Lenox History, 7 Mar. 2015, https://lenoxhistory.org/lenoxhistorypeopleandplaces/lenoxhistoryplaces/settlement-of-berkshire-county-begins-with-sheffield/.

Margino, Megan. “From Suburb to City and Back Again: A Brief History of the NYC Commuter.” The New York Public Library, 10 May 2016, https://www.nypl.org/blog/2016/05/10/history-nyc-commuter.

New York State Department of Transportation. “History of Railroads in New York State.” The Official Website of New York State, https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/passenger-rail/passenger-rail-service/history-railroads.

Yglesias, Matthew. “Amtrak Turns 45 Today. Here’s Why American Passenger Trains Are so Bad.” Vox, Vox, 1 May 2016, https://www.vox.com/2016/5/1/11539966/amtrak-45-anniversary.

Plan Your Visit

Read our suggestions on where to dine, and where to hang your hat.

Get Started
Did You Know?
Just like NPR, Berkshire Theatre Group depends on the generous giving of its members!
Join Today!
We believe the performing arts can transform a community.
Learn More
Of the 16,000 Berkshire County school children, we serve 13,000 through our BTG PLAYS! Year-Round Educational Programs.
Learn More
Theatre is the place where we go to understand what lies in the human heart.
About Us
BTG's buildings, on two campuses in Stockbridge and Pittsfield, are historic treasures.
Theatre Info
Berkshire Theatre Group believes that the creative arts encourage freedom of speech and debate.
Get Involved
"Out of need will come the way. Once the pandemic ebbs, whenever that is, there will be an incredible need to gather again." - Artistic Director, Kate Maguire
Join Today!
The theatre has existed from the time of the Greeks. We will go on.
Learn More
Join Our Mailing List

Receive the latest BTG News, Updates, Special Offers, and more right to your inbox.

Subscribe

News & Articles

From the Archive: Eva LeGallienne

By: Katie Birenboim (She/Her/Hers)   Devoted fans of BTG may gasp to discover that until doing a first round of research in the amazing BTG archives, I had never heard … Read On

Bah humbug! BTG's timeless holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, is returning to The Unicorn Theatre! ❄ Fit for the whole family, explore the wonderment of the season with this classic story, running tomorrow, December 5 through Sunday, December 22.

Performances are beginning to sell out, so purchase your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org before it's too late!
There is still time to give today on Giving Tuesday. Until midnight tonight, all donations made will be matched 2:1 by a generous donor, TRIPLING your impact!

Each year, BTG helps enrich thousands of students’ lives through arts in education programs and continues to produce high quality performing arts for the Berkshire County community and beyond. You make it all possible.

To donate, please visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/support. Thank you! ❤
For Giving Tuesday, your donation will have even more impact! For today only, every gift you make will be matched 2:1 by a generous donor. Your $100 gift will provide $300 in support to our theatre, TRIPLING your impact!

Because of you, BTG has been propelled to new heights in providing quality performing arts, education and culture to Berkshire County and beyond. You make the difference. ❤️
Did you hear? Patrons who purchase a ticket to any regular season performance of A Christmas Carol at The Unicorn Theatre will receive exclusive access to purchase tickets for Winterlights at Naumkeag for 5pm entry on the same day as the performance. ❄🎄

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit berkshiretheatre.org today.
This Small Business Saturday, Berkshire Theatre Group is participating in Downtown Pittsfield's Pittsfield Passport promotion! Collect one sticker from The Colonial Theatre, along with other participating locations where you make a purchase, where, the more stickers you collect, the greater your chance of winning one of the three Downtown Pittsfield Prize Packages!

For more information, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2024/11/downtown-pittsfield-passport-nov-29-dec-24/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGy19BleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRaCnK7LGNw2VWpr2oc-fbRH_cbUrl3HmLiksa89EbmksZKn1JgRvceK0w_aem_zOEAMn0oRfRzQVCZ7vAemQ
The holiday season is here, and all of us at BTG are feeling energized from Thanksgiving as we gear up for Giving Tuesday!

You make the difference in helping us continue producing quality performing arts and theatre for our community, so we hope you keep us in your thoughts among the many businesses in Berkshire County this year. 🤲❤️
Looking for gift ideas for the theatre lovers in your life? Now through Cyber Monday, receive a $10 gift certificate for every $50 spent on gift certificates! 🎁✨

To purchase gift certificates, please visit the link in our bio.
All of us at BTG wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂
We are just one week away from Giving Tuesday! 🤲❤️ 

At BTG, every story told, every beat of music, every laugh shared and every emotion stirred on our stages is because of donors like you. So, this Giving Tuesday, we are asking for your support as we continue to produce exceptional theatre for nearly 100 years for the Berkshire County community and beyond. Plus, your donation will be matched by a generous donor, doubling your impact!

BTG is grateful to you, because you make the difference. ❤️
Two new holiday shows, An Evening of Holiday Jazz with Tim Jones (@timhasglasses) and A Special Holiday Reading of Santaland Diaries, have been JUST ANNOUNCED! ❄🎄

For tickets and to learn more, visit berkshiretheatre.org.
Tomorrow, November 23, Wandering Dance Festival comes to a close with their showcase performance at The Colonial Theatre. Featuring a variety of professional and local dance artists, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for the entire community.

Wandering Dance Festival is a program produced and presented by Mill Town Foundation. Tickets are available at berkshiretheatre.org, and are also offered at various price points and further financial assistance is available upon request. Email info@milltownfoundation.org for more information.
December is National Giving Month, and BTG is gearing up for Giving Tuesday, coming up on December 3! ❤️

Save the date and join us for a day of gratitude and reflection!
Time is running out! This week is your last chance to purchase 2025 Season 3-Show Passes for $150, so visit berkshiretheatregroup.org/passes to get your passes today! 🎫
Voting is now open for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Berkshires Awards, and BTG is on the ballot!

Be sure to vote for your favorite local performers, artists and productions before December 31st by clicking the link below, and thank you in advance!
https://www.broadwayworld.com/berkshires/voteregion.cfm
Double the shows, double the fun! Due to popular demand, an additional 5pm show has been added for Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws on December 15 at the Colonial!

Join us at The Colonial Theatre for an unforgettable, dog comedy show filled with laughter and joy for the holidays by getting your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org.
Today on Veterans Day, BTG would like to celebrate and salute all veterans past and present for all you have sacrificed for our country. Thank you all for your service.
BTG is excited to be supporting Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.'s 3rd Annual Thankful Food Drive this November! 

Until November 30, a donation box can be found in the lobby at The Colonial Theatre for donations of non perishable food items that will go to South Community Food Pantry and St. Joseph’s Church Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Saturday between 12pm-5pm or when you come to the Colonial for any of our upcoming concerts!

For more information, visit the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. website: https://downtownpittsfield.com/2024/10/downtown-pittsfield-inc-thankful-food-drive-3/
It's almost the most wonderful time of the year! The cast of A Christmas Carol have officially begun rehearsals Tuesday night this past week, and we are all beyond excited to once again bring this classic holiday tale to The Unicorn Theatre this December. 🎄☃

(Photos by Caelan Carlough)
Misty Blues, the band that has captivated audiences for a quarter of a century, is celebrating their silver anniversary at The Colonial Theatre TOMORROW (11/9). This powerful concert will feature over 25 special guest artists who have supported the band over the past 25 years, making it a night to remember.

Get your tickets today at berkshiretheatre.org and don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness a historic celebration of blues music!
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.
Follow Us