Library
Sign in

Rowland Thomas

Rowland Thomas was a seventeenth-century English colonist, surveyor, and stonemason who helped settle Springfield, Massachusetts, and gave his name to Mount Tom.

Lived
1879–1698
Nationality
English
Language
English

Rowland Thomas (c. 1621–1698) was an English colonist who became a prominent early settler of Springfield, Massachusetts. Active in the civic and physical establishment of the colonial township, Thomas served his community in multiple roles, working as a selectman, stonemason, surveyor, and land proprietor.

Thomas is historically recognized for his surveying efforts alongside Elizur Holyoke. The two men mapped out the local geography of the region, leading to key landmarks bearing their names. Mount Tom, originally designated as Mount Thomas, was named in tribute to Thomas's surveying contributions, while Holyoke's name was given to the adjacent Holyoke Range.