Historical Markers in
Hampden County, Massachusetts

104th Infantry Regiment 95 State Street Agawam Veteran War Memorial Apremont Park Armory Fence Armory Square Benjamin Church Board of Trade Block Burbach, Bangs, and McKinney Blocks Cabotville Canal Citizens of Chicopee Remember World War II Civil War Memorial Civil War Memorial Civil War Monument Civil War Soldiers' Monument Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1941) Commanding Officer's House Dr. Mahlon Loomis Edward P. Boland First Meeting House First School House First Spiritualist Church Forging Arms for Our Nation Frank J Szot Memorial Park French Congregational Church From Arsenal to Icon Fuller Block Gen. Henry Knox Trail Gen. Henry Knox Trail Gen. Henry Knox Trail Gen. Henry Knox Trail Gen. Henry Knox Trail Gen. Henry Knox Trail Gen. Henry Knox Trail George Washington Memorial Highway Granville Citizens Park Granville Veterans Monument Hampden County Courthouse Hampden County District Court Building Hay Road Hessian Encampment Hitchcock Free Academy Holland (MA) War Memorial Home of the Duryea Automobile Howard Street School / WCA Boarding House In Memory of Gordon Hall Indian Hill Innovation Continues at STCC IX Miles to Springfield Courthouse Josiah Day House Korean Veterans Memorial Plaza Korean War Memorial Lieut. Richard Falley Lt. Gen. Arthur MacArthur Main Arsenal Mass Mutual Building Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Building Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Master Armorer's House Miles Morgan Morgan Block Mt. Tom B-17 Memorial National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark Old First Church Park Street Cemetery Roll of Honor ShaysÂ’ Rebellion Sheard Playground Southwick Veterans Monument Springfield Armory Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company Springfield Soldiers and Sailors Monument Springfield Steam Power Company Block Stacy Building State Armory Stearns Building Steerage Rock Stockbridge Block Szot Memorial Park Fountain The 104th U.S. Infantry The Cabotville Sycamores The First Meeting House The Girls and Boys of Bemisuwka The Military Presence The Store at West Granville Theodore Seuss Geisel Was Born Here in 1904 To the Memory of George Washington Tolland Honor Roll Trinity Block U.S.N. Armed Guard of World War II Union House / Chandler Hotel / Edisonia Theater Union Trust Company United Electric Co. Building / Old "Turnverein" Building United Electric Company Building Veterans Memorial Veterans Monument Vietnam Vietnam War Memorial Washington Park Wells and Bicycle Blocks West Springfield 9/11 Memorial West Springfield Veterans Memorial West Springfield Vietnam Veterans Memorial Westfield Civil War Monument World War II World War Memorial YWCA
The Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630, was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States. It played a significant role in the American Revolution and the formation of the new nation.
Massachusetts random facts
Hampden County, located in western Massachusetts, has a rich history that has shaped its development over the years. The county was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Pocomtuc and Nipmuc tribes, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 17th century, English colonists established settlements in the region, with Springfield being founded in 1636 by William Pynchon.

During the colonial period, Hampden County played a significant role in the American Revolution. Springfield served as a major supply and support base for the Continental Army, and the county became a hub of activity as the patriots fought for independence. After the Revolutionary War, the county experienced rapid industrialization, especially with the rise of textile mills and the development of transportation infrastructure like canals and railroads.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hampden County continued to prosper as its industries expanded. It became a center for manufacturing and innovation, with cities like Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee leading the way in industries such as papermaking, armaments, and automobile manufacturing.

However, like many other industrial areas, Hampden County faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century as industries declined and jobs were lost. Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the region through diversification and by focusing on sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. Hampden County remains a vibrant community with a mix of urban and suburban areas, preserving its historical sites while embracing the opportunities of the future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hampden County, Massachusetts.

  • Hampden County is created in 1812
  • Springfield, the county seat, is settled in 1636
  • Westfield is settled in 1660
  • Holyoke is settled in 1745
  • Chicopee is settled in 1848
  • Palmer is incorporated in 1775
  • Hampden County experiences significant industrialization in the 19th century
  • Springfield becomes known as the "City of Homes" in the early 20th century
  • The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 causes significant damage to Hampden County
  • Westover Air Force Base is established in Chicopee in 1940
  • Springfield experiences a tornado outbreak in 2011, causing widespread destruction