📍 Location & Geography
Springfield is a city located in the western part of the state of Massachusetts, United States. It is the seat of Hampden County and is situated on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, near its confluence with three other rivers: the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern Mill River.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Springfield, Massachusetts are approximately 42.1015° N latitude and 72.5898° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Springfield is the third-largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth-largest in New England. The city covers a total area of 33.2 square miles, of which 31.9 square miles is land and 1.3 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city of Springfield has a population of approximately 155,032, making it the third-most populous city in Massachusetts. The city has a diverse population, with a significant number of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, African American, and Asian.
🏛️ History
Springfield was founded in 1636 by English Puritan William Pynchon as “Agawam Plantation” under the administration of the Connecticut Colony. In 1641 it was renamed after Pynchon’s hometown of Springfield, Essex, England. The city played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and was a major center of manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Springfield is known for its cultural institutions and as the birthplace of basketball.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Springfield is home to numerous parks, including the 735-acre Forest Park, one of the United States’ largest urban parks and the city’s most prominent natural feature. The Connecticut River flows through the city, providing opportunities for boating and fishing. The city is also part of the Springfield Metropolitan Area, which is one of the greenest metro areas in the U.S.
🏫 Education
Springfield Public Schools operates the public schools in the city. Springfield also hosts several higher education institutions, including Springfield College, Western New England University, and American International College. The city is also home to the Springfield Technical Community College – the only “technical” community college in Massachusetts, which offers a variety of programs in technology and liberal arts.
🚧 Transportation
Springfield is served by the Bradley International Airport, located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and is also accessible via the Massachusetts Turnpike. The city has a regional bus service operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and a commuter rail service, the Hartford Line, operated by Amtrak. Springfield Union Station serves as the city’s main transportation hub.
📜 Trivia & Events
Springfield is known as the birthplace of basketball; the sport was invented there in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. The city is home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Springfield also hosts a number of annual events, including the Hoop City Jazz Festival and the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. The city is also the setting for the long-running animated TV show, “The Simpsons,” although it’s not confirmed to be the inspiration for the show’s location.