Greenfield, Massachusetts

Before it became a separate town, Greenfield, like several Franklin County towns, was part of Deerfield, Massachusetts. It was known as the Green River District. The first settlers of European descent arrived there in the 1680s, settling in twenty-acre parcels. Greenfield was incorporated in 1753, and in 1811, with the formation of Franklin County, it was designated as the county seat. By the early 19th century, Greenfield’s ample waterpower and strategic location along major travel routes was attracting manufacturers, including metal cutting and cutlery businesses. The 20th century brought sport car manufacturing (the Oakman and the Wing), Greenfield Tap and Die manufacturing company, and Greenfield Community College. In 2002, Greenfield was incorporated as a city. Among its many attractions today are Poets Seat Tower Park, boasting a 1912 sandstone lookout tower and named for the tradition of poets being drawn to the spot, Greenfield Energy Park, the Franklin County Fair, and the Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus.

“Greenfield & Gill”. View this item in the Online Collection.

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PlaceGreenfield, Massachusetts