Home › Massachusetts › Springfield

Springfield, Massachusetts

Welcome to Springfield, a city rich in history and innovation! We're immensely proud to be the birthplace of basketball and the home of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. From our historic Armory to vibrant cultural institutions, Springfield truly embodies the spirit of discovery and community.

Founded 1636 | Population 153,703 | Peak 153,703 (2024) | County Hampden County

Top Events in Springfield, Massachusetts

1636 Town Founded: William Pynchon establishes Agawam settlement, later becoming Springfield.

1794 Springfield Armory Established: U.S. Springfield Armory established, a vital firearms manufacturing center.

1891 Basketball Invented: James Naismith invents basketball at the local YMCA Training School.

1968 Basketball Hall of Fame Opens: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame opens its doors here.

2018 MGM Springfield Opens: MGM Springfield resort opens, revitalizing downtown with entertainment.

🧠

How Well Do You Know Springfield?

5 questions • 2 minutes

Take the Quiz →

Latest News in Springfield

Apr 10, 2026

Pattern of Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists Sparks Calls for Federal Scrutiny

The quiet death of a veteran NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist in 2023 has resurfaced amid a string of unexplained fataliti…

Feb 13, 2016

Mom and Dad who Neglected Starved Baby Learn Their Fates

BOSTON — In a case that shocked many, a Massachusetts couple faced the consequences of their actions on February 13, 2016, after…

Feb 7, 2016

Teen Advised Take Pregnancy Test After he Complains Pain Side Gets Some

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — Back in February 2016, a Massachusetts teenager walked into a doctor’s office complaining of sharp pai…

Jan 26, 2016

Mom 3 Takes Closer Look Licence Realizes Something Very Wrong Photo

BOSTON — On a chilly January day in 2016, a Massachusetts mother of three found herself staring at her daughter’s driver&#…

Nov 20, 2015

Remember Woman who Sued 8 Year Old Nephew 127000 Over Hug Verdict

BOSTON, Nov. 20, 2015 — In a case that left people scratching their heads, a Massachusetts woman took her 8-year-old nephew to c…

Oct 28, 2015

Couple Gets Over 2300 Years Prison Child Pornography

BOSTON (October 28, 2015) — In a case that left many stunned by its severity, a Massachusetts couple was sentenced to a combined…

Historical Timeline of Springfield

1636 Government

Town Founded

1794 Economy

Springfield Armory Established

1828 Economy

First Paper Mill Opens

1852 Government

City Incorporated

1891 Culture

Basketball Invented

1937 Culture

Dr. Seuss's First Book Published

1968 Culture

Basketball Hall of Fame Opens

2018 Economy

MGM Springfield Resort Opens

Did You Know? — Springfield

Springfield is famously known as the 'Birthplace of Basketball,' invented by James Naismith in 1891.

The Springfield Armory, established in 1794, was the primary center for manufacturing U.S. military firearms for nearly two centuries.

Beloved children's author Theodor Seuss Geisel, famously known as Dr. Seuss, was born and raised in Springfield, inspiring many of his whimsical tales.

Springfield played a pivotal role in Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787), a significant post-Revolutionary War uprising that highlighted the need for a stronger federal government.

The city is home to the Quadrangle, a unique cultural attraction featuring five museums (including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum) and a library arranged around a central green.

See something that needs correcting?

We take accuracy seriously. Help us keep Springfield's history right.