📍 Location & Geography
Greenfield is a city located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the Pioneer Valley in the western part of the state. The city is bordered by the towns of Montague to the north, Deerfield to the east, and Shelburne to the west. Green River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, runs through the city, contributing to its lush green landscape.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Greenfield, Massachusetts are approximately 42.5876° N latitude and 72.6009° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Greenfield is the county seat of Franklin County and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city spans a total area of about 22 square miles (57 km²), of which, 21.9 square miles (56.6 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Greenfield has a population of approximately 17,500 people. The city has a diverse demographic with a mix of different age groups and ethnicities. The median age is around 40 years. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, followed by Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Greenfield was first settled in 1686 and was officially incorporated as a city in 1753. It was named for the Green River, which runs through it. The city’s economy initially thrived on agriculture, but with the advent of the railway system in the 19th century, it became a bustling trade and manufacturing hub. The city’s rich history is preserved in numerous historic sites and buildings, including the Greenfield Energy Park and the Weldon House.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Greenfield is known for its beautiful natural environment, with the Connecticut River and the Green River providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The city is home to several parks, including the Green River Park and the Highland Park. The city is also close to the Mohawk Trail State Forest, offering residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
🏫 Education
Greenfield provides quality education through its public and private schools. The Greenfield School District operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Greenfield High School. The city is also home to Greenfield Community College, which offers a variety of degree programs.
🚧 Transportation
Greenfield is served by Interstate 91, which provides north-south travel through the city. The city also has a station on the Amtrak’s Vermonter line, offering rail service to other parts of the state and beyond. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority operates public bus service in the city. The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about an hour’s drive from Greenfield.
📜 Trivia & Events
Greenfield hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Green River Festival, a popular music and hot air balloon festival. The city is also home to the Franklin County Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the country. A fun fact about Greenfield is that it is known as the “Copper City” due to its history as a center for the copper industry in the 19th century.