In 1653 William Pynchon purchased the land from Native American tribes, now Springfield. The town was initially founded for fur trading and, in 1641, was named and incorporated in honor of William Pynchon. Springfield officially became a city in May 1852. Its proximity to the Connecticut River meant that Springfield was an ideal location for transportation. The early settlers found this beneficial in their dealings between Boston, New York, and Canada. Being the crossroads for New England ensured its steady progress and economic development. By the eighteenth century, Springfield's economic mainstay of agriculture became less dominant, and the industrial revolution began to take root. Soon mills of all kinds were established, harnessing the power of the Connecticut River. Due to its ideal location and rapid technological advancement, Springfield became home to the United States Armory in 1794. The nineteenth-century ushered in a second industrial boom for Springfield. This boom was due to the railroad and the city becoming the center of railway activity for Massachusetts. With the railway came printing industries and machine manufacturing. As the town grew, other economic avenues arose, such as prosperous finance and insurance companies. By the 1990s, Springfield was an affluent city with a population of 156,983. Today this city is known for its well-established school systems and is a regional hub for banking and courts. In addition, Springfield is a flourishing, multifaceted economy with a location that ensures future technological growth and development. This positioning means only good things for the people of Springfield.

Springfield makes for an exciting and lively day out with a dynamic array of activities and experiences everywhere you turn. Here are a few options to add to your list of stops:

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Found in the Springfield Quadrangle of Museums, this is an absolute delight in imaginative and interactive exhibits. Based on the beloved Dr. Seuss, a Springfield native, and children's books author, it is a trip into one of the most entertaining literary worlds ever imagined.

⁠Forest Park: The park is what Springfield is all about. With 735- acres of parkland to explore, it might take you more than one day, but it is worth visiting repeatedly. The exquisitely designed park hosts many activities, from a zoo to an aquarium and hiking and biking trails galore.