Agawam Center Historic District
a.k.a. Main and Elm Streets Historic District
24-196 Elm St.; 551-1008 Main St., Agawam, MA Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Boston Tea Party wasn't the first act of rebellion against British taxation in America. In 1765, colonists in Massachusetts burned effigies of British tax collectors and destroyed their homes and property in what came to be known as the "Stamp Act Riots."
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.
Hampden County Timeline
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