In 1812, Springfield became the seat of the newly formed Hampden County. During the 19th century, the city became the manufacturing and commercial center of Western Massachusetts. River commerce helped make the city prosperous, and the arrival of the railroad in 1839, made it an important transportation center. Springfield is the birthplace of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and the game of basketball. While this image is titled “Court Square”, the building pictured is the First Church, built in 1819.