Why did the city of Springfield Massachusetts decline?

Why did the city of Springfield Massachusetts decline?

Springfield underwent a protracted decline during the second half of the 20th century, due largely to the decommissioning of the Springfield Armory in 1969; poor city planning decisions, such as the location of the elevated I-91 along the city’s Connecticut River front; and overall decline of industry throughout the northeastern United States.

Where is the city of Springfield Massachusetts located?

/  42.10139°N 72.59028°W  / 42.10139; -72.59028 Springfield is a city in the state of Massachusetts, United States, and the seat of Hampden County. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers: the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern Mill River.

When did Springfield Massachusetts burn to the ground?

During its early existence, Springfield flourished both as an agricultural settlement and as a trading post, although its prosperity waned dramatically during (and after) King Philip’s War in 1675, when natives laid siege to it and burned it to the ground as part of the ongoing campaign.

What was the main industry of Springfield Massachusetts?

Springfield would play major roles in machine production, initially driven by the arms industry of the Armory, as well as from private companies such as Smith & Wesson, established by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson.

Where is the city of West Springfield MA?

West Springfield is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.

How many people died in West Springfield Mass?

It devastated densely populated parts of West Springfield, causing two fatalities in the city – including a mother who died while shielding her 15-year-old daughter. U.S. President Barack Obama declared the area surrounding West Springfield and Springfield a federal disaster area.

When was the West Springfield Record newspaper founded?

The West Springfield Record was founded in 1953 with a circulation of 5500. Did you know? In 1933 the Churchill family gave 57 acres to the town. Now known as Mittineague Park, first called Churchill and then E. R. A. park. Did you know?

What was the economy of West Springfield Massachusetts?

West Springfield was good farm land, so some families did stay on the west side. Other than the trade in beaver skins, economic activity in early colonial Springfield consisted largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry, with barter being the preferred medium of exchange for neighbors’ crops, and locally produced goods.