History of West Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

1660 - West Springfield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1774 - West Springfield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

1839 - West Springfield
West Springfield, Massachusetts
Hampden county. This town is beautifully situated on both sides of Westfield river, at its confluence with the Connecticut, opposite to Springfield, to which it is connected by a beautiful bridge. Some parts of the town are rough and uneven, and in some parts are stony plains; but the general character of the town in regard to soil is alluvial meadow of an excellent quality. On the summits of the hills and along the rivers a great variety of wild and delightful scenery is exhibited.

There are 1 cotton and 2 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of leather, boots and shoes; annual value, about $100,000. In 1837, there were 3,374 fleeces of wool sheared in the town, which weighed 8,512 lbs., and sold for $5,107. Good iron ore is found in West Springfield, and a species of limestone used for making water proof cement. Incorporated, 1774. Population, 1837, 3,227.
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

1845 - WEST SPRINGFIELD. [Pop. 3,626. Inc. 1774.]
West Springfield was originally a part of Springfield.

It is divided by Westfield River, and lies on the west bank of the Connecticut, occupying the whole width of the county.

Some woollen and cotton goods are manufactured here, but the town is essentially agricultural, and the soil is generally good.

Distance from Springfield, 6 miles; from Boston, 87.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - West Springfield
West Springfield, a thriving post-village of Hampden co., Massachusetts, on the Western railroad. 100 miles W. by S. from Boston, and 100 miles S. E. from Albany. It is situated on the left bank of the Connecticut, opposite Springfield, with which it is connected by 2 bridges, (one for the Western railroad,) and several steam-ferries. The streets are broad and finely shaded with lofty elms. Westfield river, which enters the Connecticut a short distance below, affords water-power. Population of the township, 2979.
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.

1871 - Proud of his accomplishment
An enterprising son of four years, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, told his mother in great glee the other morning that he had made a nice fire in a bureau drawer, and he had. Prompt action, however, saved the house, and rendered unnecessary the presence of the firemen, who were about rushing to the spot.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 25, 1871

West Springfield Massachusetts, 1890
West Springfield, in the centre of Hampden County, extends along the west bank of the Connecticut River, embracing a rich alluvial valley, flanked by wild and wooded eminences on the west. The West Springfield station of the Boston and Albany Railroad, at the village of Mitteneague, on the Agawam River, is 101 miles southwest of Boston. This place, with West Springfield (northeast of it on the Connecticut) and Merrick, at the north are the post-offices.

In the northeast is the pleasant village of Ashleyville; the paper-mill village is in the northwest; and Paugatuck, Riverdale and Tatham mark other quarters of the town. A noble bridge across the Connecticut, at the southeast, connects this town with the city of Springfield. The boundary on the north is Holyoke; on the east, Springfield; on the south, Agawam; and on the west, Westfield. The assessed area is 9,427 acres; of which 2,294 are wood-land. The Agawam or Westfield River forms the southern line of the town. The other... Read MORE...

1895 - West Springfield
West Spring'field, a post-village of Hampden co., Mass., in West Springfield township, on the Connecticut River, opposite Springfield, with which it is connected by 2 bridges. It is on the Boston & Albany Railroad. It has several churches and a high school. Its post-office is 2 miles from Springfield. The township, which contains the village of Mittineague, is bounded on the E. by the Connecticut River, and on the S. by the Agawam. It has manufactures of paper and cotton cloth. P. (1890) 5077.
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

1906
West Springfield, a village of Hampden co., Mass., in West Springfield township (town), on the Connecticut River and on the Boston and Albany R., opposite Spring field, with which it is connected by bridges. It has rail road-shops and some manufactures. Pop. of the town in 1900, 7105. The post-office is Springfield.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1907 - Boy Recovering
WEST SPRINGFIELD.
Timothy O'Keefe, the seven-year-old boy who received bad cuts on the forehead Wednesday afternoon while sliding on the school grounds, is recovering at the home of his parents on Lowell street. Dr. Syrett took stitches in the wounds and is attending him.
Springfield Daily Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
January 25, 1907

1914 - The Eastern States Exposition was established in 1914. In 1967, it became known as "The Big E".

2023 - Whether you're a resident looking for some local attractions or a visitor passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in West Springfield:
The Big E: Let's start with the most famous attraction in West Springfield, "The Big E." This annual fair, officially known as the Eastern States Exposition, is the largest fair in the Northeastern United States. It usually runs for a couple of weeks in late September and early October. You can enjoy a wide variety of food, entertainment, and agricultural exhibitions here. Don't forget to try the famous cream puffs!

Six Flags New England: Located just outside of West Springfield in Agawam, Six Flags New England is a major amusement park that's a must-visit for thrill-seekers. It offers a wide range of roller coasters and other rides suitable for all ages. The water park, Hurricane Harbor, is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

Storrowton Village Museum: Located within The Big E grounds, this living history museum takes you back to the 19th century. You can explore historic buildings, watch artisans at work, and learn about life in New England during the... Read MORE...