West Springfield History

The town of West Springfield has a long and rich history that dates back since 1636. Its land, which is situated between the Connecticut and Agawam Rivers, was purchased from local aboriginal Algokians by a group of Englishmen led by William Pynchon.

The town's first settlers built their houses on the east side of the Connecticut River. The residents called their new place as Agawam. It was only in 1640, when the locals adapted the name Springfield for their town in honor of the Pynchon's birthplace.

On 1654 some of the original settlers living in the east decided to move on the west bank of the Connecticut River. They started their life on the west side by farming and by growing livestocks. Locals bartered their goods in exchange for crops and other products.

However, life on the other side of the river posted a number of problems that led the west settlers to petition independence from Springfield. One of the causes of dispute included transportation problem as well as resource allocation. On February 23, 1774, West Springfield was declared as a separate town from Springfield.

West Springfield has come a long way. This town is now continuously trying to develop, improve and reinvent itself. West Springfield is now recognized as a complete and self sustaining city with its own educational facilities, fire and police department, health institution, and public work department.

Farming is still considered as the main economy of the city although other industries such as real estates and land development are now starting to boom.