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History of Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
(Feeding Hills)
Explore Agawam, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Agawam Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Agawam, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA
Fun fact: The zip code of Agawam is 01001. It is the lowest zip code in Massachusetts.
Included in Agawam are: Feeding Hills and Hubbards Corner.
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Agawam Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
 - "Old Brick" School House, Built about 1760, Renewed in 1906, Feeding Hills, Mass.){kind=small}
"Old Brick" School House, Built about 1760, Renewed in 1906, Feeding Hills, Mass.
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
 - Entrance to Riverside Park, Agawam, Mass.
Riverside Park "...started out as a picnic grove called Gallup's Grove in 1870, and was eventually renamed Riverside Grove, then Riverside Park. Prior to 1900, most of the park's patrons arrived via steamship. The Springfield Street Railway extended its line to the park in 1900...
In the early 1900s, a few mechanical rides and a carousel were added. The park was purchased in 1911 by Henry J. Perkins who transformed the park from a picnic grove to an amusement park. He built the park's first roller coaster, The Giant Dip, in 1912, which proved to be so popular that another coaster, The Greyhound, was added in 1915.[3] Under Perkins' ownership, the park continued to prosper and additional amusements were added, including a 300-foot-diameter pool that became known as Lake Takadip. The original Giant Dip coaster was replaced in 1920 by a new, more thrilling coaster that was twice the size of the Giant and was eventually named Lightning. A third coaster, Whirlwind Racer, was added in 1928..." wikipedia
The park is now Six Flags of New England.){kind=small}
Entrance to Riverside Park, Agawam, Mass.
Riverside Park "...started out as a picnic grove called Gallup's Grove in 1870, and was eventually renamed Riverside Grove, then Riverside Park. Prior to 1900, most of the park's patrons arrived via steamship. The Springfield Street Railway extended its line to the park in 1900...
In the early 1900s, a few mechanical rides and a carousel were added. The park was purchased in 1911 by Henry J. Perkins who transformed the park from a picnic grove to an amusement park. He built the park's first roller coaster, The Giant Dip, in 1912, which proved to be so popular that another coaster, The Greyhound, was added in 1915.[3] Under Perkins' ownership, the park continued to prosper and additional amusements were added, including a 300-foot-diameter pool that became known as Lake Takadip. The original Giant Dip coaster was replaced in 1920 by a new, more thrilling coaster that was twice the size of the Giant and was eventually named Lightning. A... Read MORE...
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
 - Town Hall and School){kind=small}
Town Hall and School
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - First Baptist Church. Agawam, Mass.){kind=small}
First Baptist Church. Agawam, Mass.
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - Westfield Street looking South, Feeding Hills, Mass.){kind=small}
Westfield Street looking South, Feeding Hills, Mass.
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - Feeding Hills Village, Mass., from Railroad Crossing, 1909){kind=small}
Feeding Hills Village, Mass., from Railroad Crossing, 1909
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - A Shady Nook){kind=small}
A Shady Nook
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - Lay Memorial Methodist Church, Feeding Hills){kind=small}
Lay Memorial Methodist Church, Feeding Hills
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - Feeding Hills Center, Mass., looking North){kind=small}
Feeding Hills Center, Mass., looking North
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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 - Main Street looking South){kind=small}
Main Street looking South
Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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Discover Agawam: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1636 - First house built in Agawam Meadows. Large tract of land purchased by William Pynchon from the Agawam tribe of Indians for 18 fathom of wampum, 18 coats, 18 hatchets, 18 hoes and 18 knives.
agawam-history.org
Read more about William PYNCHON
agawam-history.org
Read more about William PYNCHON
1660 - Thomas Cooper, Abel Leonard and Thomas Merrick settled on the south-west side of the Agawam River and within a few years grants of home lots were made at various points.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1666 - First sawmill built in Feeding Hills.
www.agawam-history.org
www.agawam-history.org
1696 - Agawam became the 2nd Parish of Springfield and the 1st of West Springfield.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1698 - A church was formed in Agawam with Rev. John Woodbridge as pastor.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1740 - First meeting house in Agawam was built on land of Reuben Leonard, one mile west of sawmill near parish line of Feeding Hills.
Schools had been established in Agawam and Feeding Hills.
agawam-history.org
Read more about Reuben LEONARD
Schools had been established in Agawam and Feeding Hills.
agawam-history.org
Read more about Reuben LEONARD
1740 - Schools had been established in Agawam and Feeding Hills.
www.agawam-history.org
www.agawam-history.org
1750 Tavern erected in Feeding Hills, kept by Col Mosely. Morley's and Flowers taverns followed, also three on Agawam Street
www.agawam-history.org
www.agawam-history.org
1757 - Agawam was set off as the 6th Parish of Springfield containing about 75 families.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1774 - West Springfield was incorporated as a town with Agawam as its 2nd Parish.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1780 - Peppermint distillery established in Agawam. Later, potato whiskey was manufactured, followed by cider brandy and rye gin.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1800 - Agawam and Feeding Hills divided into two distinct parishes in the town of West Springfield.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1810 One of the first cotton mills in Western Massachusetts (Agwam) built on land now owned by Riverside Park at mouth of 3-mile Brook. A settlement of tenements for the mill help was known as the "Factory Ground".
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1819 The first Sunday School in Agwam was organized.
ww.agawam-history.org
ww.agawam-history.org
1834 Congregational Church built in Feeding Hills.
www.agawam-history.org
www.agawam-history.org
1839 - Agawam
Agawam, Massachusetts
The Indian name of a river in Wareham, and of a part of Westfield river; the name of a village on the Westfield river, 2 miles S.W. from Springfield.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
Agawam, Massachusetts
The Indian name of a river in Wareham, and of a part of Westfield river; the name of a village on the Westfield river, 2 miles S.W. from Springfield.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1840 Methodist Church built in south part of Agawam.
http://www.agawam-history.org/
http://www.agawam-history.org/
1854 - Agawam
Agawam, a post-village of Hampden county, Massachusetts, on the west side of Connecticut river, 98 miles W. S. W. from Boston.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Agawam, a post-village of Hampden county, Massachusetts, on the west side of Connecticut river, 98 miles W. S. W. from Boston.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1855 - Agawam separated from West Springfield and was incorporated as a town including Feeding Hills and Mittineague, with a population of about 1500. The first town meeting was held in the Methodist Church.
www.agawam-history.org/ agawam.php
www.agawam-history.org/ agawam.php
1859
AGAWAM, a village of Massachusetts, U.S., in Hampden county, on the W side of the Connecticut river, 98 m. WSW of Boston.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
AGAWAM, a village of Massachusetts, U.S., in Hampden county, on the W side of the Connecticut river, 98 m. WSW of Boston.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
1861 - 172 men went from the town (of Agawam) to the Civil War, of whom 22 died either in battle or from disease. The women formed a Soldier's Relief Society working for the soldiers and contributing $1000 in money.
www.agawam-history.org/ agawam.php
www.agawam-history.org/ agawam.php
Agawam Massachusetts, 1890
"Agawam is a very beautiful town having two postal villages, — Agawam (centre) and Feeding Hills. In 1885, it had a population of 2,357, and a territorial area of 13,775 acres, of which 2,884 are woodland. There are 280 farms, 482 dwelling-houses, and a total of 1,346 buildings. On the north, and separated by the Agawam or Westfield River, is West Springfield from which it was taken ; on the cast is Longmeadow, separated by the Connecticut River ; Southwick and Westfield bound it on the west, and Suffield in Connecticut on the south. It lies in the southern part of Hampden County, and about 100 miles southwest of Boston, by the Boston and Albany Railroad, which runs along the north bank of the Westfield River. The railroad stations are Springfield, West Springfield and Thompsonville. A fine iron bridge spans the Connecticut River at the southeast, and two the Agawam River. There is an excellent bridge connecting the town with Springfield. Trap, with the middle shales and sandstones,... Read MORE...
"Agawam is a very beautiful town having two postal villages, — Agawam (centre) and Feeding Hills. In 1885, it had a population of 2,357, and a territorial area of 13,775 acres, of which 2,884 are woodland. There are 280 farms, 482 dwelling-houses, and a total of 1,346 buildings. On the north, and separated by the Agawam or Westfield River, is West Springfield from which it was taken ; on the cast is Longmeadow, separated by the Connecticut River ; Southwick and Westfield bound it on the west, and Suffield in Connecticut on the south. It lies in the southern part of Hampden County, and about 100 miles southwest of Boston, by the Boston and Albany Railroad, which runs along the north bank of the Westfield River. The railroad stations are Springfield, West Springfield and Thompsonville. A fine iron bridge spans the Connecticut River at the southeast, and two the Agawam River. There is an excellent bridge connecting the town with Springfield. Trap, with the middle shales and sandstones,... Read MORE...
1895 - Agawam / Feeding Hills
Ag'awam', a post-village of Hampden co., Mass, is in Agawam township, about 1 mile W. of the Connecticut River, and 4 miles S.W. of Springfield. The township has 5 churches, a paper-mill, a woollen-factory, a gin distillery, and a brick-yard. Pop, in 1880, 2216; in 1890, 2352.
Feed'ing Hills, a post-village of Hampden co, Mass. in Agawam township, 6 or 7 miles W.S.W. of Springfield. It has 2 churches and a high school.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Ag'awam', a post-village of Hampden co., Mass, is in Agawam township, about 1 mile W. of the Connecticut River, and 4 miles S.W. of Springfield. The township has 5 churches, a paper-mill, a woollen-factory, a gin distillery, and a brick-yard. Pop, in 1880, 2216; in 1890, 2352.
Feed'ing Hills, a post-village of Hampden co, Mass. in Agawam township, 6 or 7 miles W.S.W. of Springfield. It has 2 churches and a high school.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1905 - Electrical lines were extended to give service to Agawam.
www.agawam-history.org/ agawam.php
www.agawam-history.org/ agawam.php
1908 - THREE KILLED IN EXPLOSION. Dynamite That Was Placed on a Steam Pipe Became Overheated.
AGAWAM, Mass., Sept. 8. - Three men were killed and six others injured by the explosion of twenty pounds of dynamite on Provin Mountain, near the place where a contracting company is building a distributing reservoir in connection with the Springfield water supply system.
The dead are Richard Plater, Antonio Mitta, and Joseph Bello, all laborers. Plater was a negro and the others were Italians. Fred Lovett, another laborer, received injuries which are expected to result in his death.
Dynamite that was placed on a pipe that supplied steam for a drill became overheated and exploded.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 9, 1908
AGAWAM, Mass., Sept. 8. - Three men were killed and six others injured by the explosion of twenty pounds of dynamite on Provin Mountain, near the place where a contracting company is building a distributing reservoir in connection with the Springfield water supply system.
The dead are Richard Plater, Antonio Mitta, and Joseph Bello, all laborers. Plater was a negro and the others were Italians. Fred Lovett, another laborer, received injuries which are expected to result in his death.
Dynamite that was placed on a pipe that supplied steam for a drill became overheated and exploded.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 9, 1908
1916
Ag'awam', a post-village of Hampden co., Mass., is in Agawam township (town), about 1 mile W. of the Connecticut River and 4 miles SW. of Springfield. The town has distilleries, woollen-mills, etc. Pop. in 1900, 2536.
Feeding Hills, a post- village of Hampden co., Mass., 6 miles WSW. of Springfield. Pop. about 750.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Ag'awam', a post-village of Hampden co., Mass., is in Agawam township (town), about 1 mile W. of the Connecticut River and 4 miles SW. of Springfield. The town has distilleries, woollen-mills, etc. Pop. in 1900, 2536.
Feeding Hills, a post- village of Hampden co., Mass., 6 miles WSW. of Springfield. Pop. about 750.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1955 - Golden Eagle Returns to Duty as Weathervane
Newly Feathered With Gold Leaf, Old Landmark Is Placed on Agawam Church Spire
Agawam, Sept. 6. The Agawam Congregational Church, newly painted on the exterior and with many improvements inside, boasts a new golden eagle weathervane. The old weathervane, which had stood the brunt of storms for more than a century as far as can be determined was broken in removal for gold-leafing.
The new new golden eagle is no new part of the Agawam scene although it has been in retirement for nearly a score of years. For 55 years it swung proudly in the breeze atop the old Agawam Center grammar school and town hall. It was placed on the tower of the old building after the school was built in 1874 and remained a landmark until the building was demolished in 1939 following the opening of the present Benjamin T. Phelps Elementary School.
At that time, no one seeming to wish to adopt the discarded weather signal, Mrs. Howard Pond came into possession of it, partly for sentimental reasons. The... Read MORE...
Newly Feathered With Gold Leaf, Old Landmark Is Placed on Agawam Church Spire
Agawam, Sept. 6. The Agawam Congregational Church, newly painted on the exterior and with many improvements inside, boasts a new golden eagle weathervane. The old weathervane, which had stood the brunt of storms for more than a century as far as can be determined was broken in removal for gold-leafing.
The new new golden eagle is no new part of the Agawam scene although it has been in retirement for nearly a score of years. For 55 years it swung proudly in the breeze atop the old Agawam Center grammar school and town hall. It was placed on the tower of the old building after the school was built in 1874 and remained a landmark until the building was demolished in 1939 following the opening of the present Benjamin T. Phelps Elementary School.
At that time, no one seeming to wish to adopt the discarded weather signal, Mrs. Howard Pond came into possession of it, partly for sentimental reasons. The... Read MORE...
2023 - Agawam has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Agawam:
1. Six Flags New England: Six Flags is one of the premier attractions in Agawam. It's a massive amusement park with thrilling rides, water slides, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or looking for a day of fun with the family, Six Flags has it all.
2. Agawam Axe House: For a unique and exciting experience, visit the Agawam Axe House. You can try your hand at axe throwing in a safe and supervised environment. It's a fun activity for groups and a great way to blow off some steam.
3. Robinson State Park: If you're a nature enthusiast, Robinson State Park is a beautiful place to explore. It offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a serene lake for swimming and fishing during the summer months. The park is especially picturesque during the fall when the leaves change color.
4. The Big E: The Eastern States Exposition, also known as "The Big E," is an annual fair that takes place in West Springfield, right next to Agawam.... Read MORE...
1. Six Flags New England: Six Flags is one of the premier attractions in Agawam. It's a massive amusement park with thrilling rides, water slides, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or looking for a day of fun with the family, Six Flags has it all.
2. Agawam Axe House: For a unique and exciting experience, visit the Agawam Axe House. You can try your hand at axe throwing in a safe and supervised environment. It's a fun activity for groups and a great way to blow off some steam.
3. Robinson State Park: If you're a nature enthusiast, Robinson State Park is a beautiful place to explore. It offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a serene lake for swimming and fishing during the summer months. The park is especially picturesque during the fall when the leaves change color.
4. The Big E: The Eastern States Exposition, also known as "The Big E," is an annual fair that takes place in West Springfield, right next to Agawam.... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Agawam Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 486 ancestors who were born or died in Agawam.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
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Ancestors buried in Agawam - Cemeteries in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA
Agawam Center CemeterySpringfield Street Cemetery
Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery
Genealogy Resources for Agawam
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