Springfield ma
Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts, U.S.A. Among the many cities in the United States called Springfield, this is the largest and also historically the first.
History:
William Pynchon, who was the then-assistant treasurer of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded Springfield ma in 1636. It was named after the city in England in which he was born.
Springfield is also known as the City of Homes. This nickname was given to it during the late 19th century due to its huge number of Victorian mansions and single-family houses.
Springfield is most commonly referred to as the birthplace of basketball. In 1891, James Naismith, a physical education teacher in Springfield, invented the sport to fill the gap between the football and baseball seasons. It quickly became popular. Therefore, on February 17, 1968, The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was opened to honor people with significant contributions to this sport.
In 1901, America's first motorcycle brand - the Indian Manufacturing Company, was founded by George M. Hendee and C. Oscar Hedstrom in Springfield.
When the Connecticut River flooded in 1936, Springfield ma suffered its most devastating natural disaster. This flood occurred at the peak of the Great Depression, when Springfield was already suffering greatly. Large riverfront portions of the North and South Ends were so severely flooded that they no longer exist.
Springfield is also the birthplace of famous personalities such as Theodor Geisel (known as Dr. Seuss), drug pioneer Timothy Leary and actor Kurt Russell.
Geography:
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 86.0 km. 83.1 km of it is land and 2.8 km of it being water.
Springfield ma is situated on the banks of the Connecticut River. Along the river, the city is rather low and flat. But the land is more on the hilly side when moving outward from the river. The location on the floodplains of the Connecticut River also has soil very much suitable for farming.
Springfield is more or less divided into 17 neighborhoods and they are as follows: Bay, Boston Road, Brightwood, East Forest Park, East Springfield, Forest Park, Indian Orchard, Liberty Heights, McKnight, Memorial Square, Metro Center, Old Hill, Pine Point, Six Corners, Sixteen Acres, South End and Upper Hill
Economy:
Since approximately six decades, Springfields economy has been going downhill to an extent where its now known as the second poorest city in Massachusetts. It was mainly due to a large decline in manufacturing. And since that a major part of Springfield's economy, it became difficult to fill the void with just a service-based economy. But still Springfield retains a strong middle class and high homeownership rates in many areas.
Government:
By verdict of the Massachusetts Legislature, Springfield officially became a
city on May 25, 1852. The current city charter (which is in effect since 1959) uses a strong mayor government in which most power is given to the mayor. The mayor representing the city's executive branch, presents the budget, appoints commissioners and department heads and in general runs the city.
The city council consists of nine members that are elected every odd numbered year. They have duties such as passing budgets, holding hearings, creating departments and also appointing a president who becomes acting mayor in case a vacancy occurs.
The city has no judicial branch itself and uses the Springfield based state courts such as the Springfield district court and Hampden County Superior Court. The Federal District Court also hears cases regularly in Springfield.
Education:
Home to around 38 elementary schools, 6 high schools, 7 specialized schools and several private schools, Springfield has the third largest school district in Massachusetts. Springfield also features some great colleges such as Springfield College, Western New England College and American International College.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield (a religious territory of the Roman Catholic Church in the New England region of the United States) also runs many catholic elementary and high schools.
Attractions:
Springfield ma offers many attractions. From beautiful parks to amazing shopping, memorable historic places to lively nightclubs, this city has it all.
The Forest Park (which is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States featuring picnic areas, a swimming pool, a hockey rink, an ice-skating rink, basketball courts, tennis courts, a snack bar and many miles of walking trails) offers Bright Nights - a major attraction during the Christmas season. The trees in the park are decorated with lights in the form of different characters and scenes (some of which are animated).
Its also home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame located on the banks of the Connecticut River. It honors players, coaches, referees and other major contributors to the game of basketball
Another place to visit is the Quadrangle. It features 4 amazing museums, the city's central library and the National Dr. Seuss Memorial (a beautiful sculpture garden).
Springfield is full of culture and history, yet it has a feeling of modern freshness to it. Offering a little something for everyone, it surely is a place worth visiting.
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