Westfield, Massachusetts
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| Westfield, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Westfield, Massachusetts |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Whip City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Hampden |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1660 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (town) |
| Established date1 | 1669 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | 1920 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Michael A. McCabe |
| Area total km2 | 122.5 |
| Area total sq mi | 47.3 |
| Area land km2 | 119.8 |
| Area land sq mi | 46.3 |
| Area water km2 | 2.7 |
| Area water sq mi | 1.0 |
| Elevation m | 45 |
| Elevation ft | 148 |
| Population total | 41394 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 07, 30, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 01085 |
| Area code | 413 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-76030 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0611947 |
| Website | cityofwestfield.org |
Westfield, Massachusetts. Westfield is a city in Hampden County within the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, United States. Known historically as "The Whip City" for its dominant 19th-century industry, it lies along the Westfield River and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. Westfield evolved from a colonial agricultural settlement into a diversified modern community, home to Westfield State University and Barnes Air National Guard Base.
History
The area was originally known as "Woronoco" and was settled in 1660 by colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony seeking expansion beyond the Connecticut River. It was officially incorporated in 1669, with early conflicts including raids during King Philip's War. The 18th century saw growth through agriculture and trade, with local figures like General William Shepard playing a role in suppressing Shays' Rebellion. The 19th century brought industrial prominence, as inventors like the Ames family perfected the manufacturing of buggy whips, earning the city its nickname and attracting immigrant labor. The arrival of the Boston and Albany Railroad and later the construction of the Columbia Bicycle factory spurred further growth. The 20th century included the establishment of Barnes Municipal Airport and its transition to Barnes Air National Guard Base, the founding of Westfield State University, and incorporation as a city in 1920.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.3 square miles, with the Westfield River and its tributaries, including the Little River, defining much of its hydrology. The city borders Agawam, Southwick, Granville, Russell, Montgomery, and Holyoke. Notable geographic features include the Westfield River Watershed and portions of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, with varied terrain from river valleys to upland areas. The city manages several parks and conservation areas, including Stanley Park.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 41,394. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, and Asian communities. The population density was approximately 894 people per square mile, with a median age in the mid-30s. Household data indicated a mix of family and non-family units, with a median household income slightly above the state average. Educational attainment levels are bolstered by the presence of Westfield State University.
Economy
Historically centered on whip and bicycle manufacturing, Westfield's economy has diversified significantly. Major employers include Westfield State University, Baystate Noble Hospital, and the Barnes Air National Guard Base, home to the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport supports general aviation and logistics. Retail and commercial activity is concentrated along routes like Route 20 and near the Southwick border. The city is also part of the regional aerospace and precision manufacturing corridor that includes Springfield and Hartford.
Education
The Westfield Public Schools district operates multiple elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, and Westfield High School. The city is also home to Westfield State University, a public university founded in 1838 as a normal school by Horace Mann. Private options include St. Mary's High School. Higher education and vocational training are further supported by nearby institutions like Springfield Technical Community College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include baseball Hall of Famer John Montgomery Ward; actress and singer Betty Hutton; Continental Army general William Shepard; Nobel laureate Robert H. Grubbs; U.S. Representative and Governor John L. Bates; Medal of Honor recipient John K. Buck; poet and author Annie Trumbull Slosson; and NFL player Al Benecick. Famed portrait painter Chester Harding also lived and worked in Westfield for a period.
Category:Cities in Massachusetts Category:Hampden County, Massachusetts Category:Populated places established in 1660