|
|
West Springfield Mass.
With both surburban and rural qualities, West Springfield is Western Massachusetts'
second most populous town, its population up 2% to 27,537 in 1990. While
its early settlement dates back to 1665, the town was formally established
in 1774. West Springfield borders the Connecticut River on its eastern
boundary. The area was once rich farmland replenished by the annual flooding
of the river. Elements of the town's continuing old New England flavor
include the Town Common, towering shade trees and its historic structures
like the Josiah Day House, circa 1754, which is believed to be the oldest
structure of its kind in Massachusetts.
The town's biggest tourist attraction
is the Eastern States Exposition, which hosts the state fair for the entire
New England region in September. It is one of the nation's largest agricultural
fairs. Storrowton Village, a recreated village of colonial America, is
a permanent attraction on the "Big E" fairgrounds. The first Morgan Horse
was bred in West Springfield and the Eastern States Horse Show is among
the oldest in the country.
West Springfield is also an emerging
commercial center for the region. Riverdale Street (Route 5) best exemplifies
the Town's success in supporting commercial development. Major retailers
and warehouse outlets have located there along with the region's largest
complex of movie theatres. In West Springfield's industrial areas, small
and medium-sized manufacturers dominate. K & M Electronics is one of
the region's largest electronic component manufacturers.
West Springfield Mass is located
in Southwestern Massachusetts, bordered by Holyoke on the north, Agawam
on the south, Westfield on the west, and Chicopee and Springfield on the
east. West Springfield is 91 miles southwest of Boston. |