A Little History of

Springfield, Massachusetts

The River as a Road

Long ago, before there were any roads, the only way to get where Springfield is today was to come by boat.

In 1635, some men from England sailed up the river in boats called shallops. They had flat bottoms. Remember this fact for it is important later in this story.

William Pynchon

One of the travelers on the boat was William Pynchon. He was from Springfield, England!

Notice that his style of clothes is different from ours.

The Beginning of Springfield

On July 15, 1636, they bought the land where we live today for 16 coats, hatchets, knives, and some shell money called wampum.

Today we call this trading instead of buying.

Trading Was Important

One reason they came here was to trade. There were many animals in the forests and the Native Americans were good hunters.

Back home in England these skins could be sold for money. People there liked to decorate their clothes with the fur.

Everyone Grew Food

The Englishmen also liked it here because they could grow their food on the land.

There were no stores here yet, so everyone had to be a farmer too.

Peace and Freedom

After many years, the settlers and Native Americans made learned to live peacefully.

But now, the English settlers wanted to be free from the English King!

The Revolutionary War

The King sent troops called Redcoats here (they wore red jackets).

This fight was called the Revolutionary War. This was the war that made us a free country.

Parsons Tavern

Parsons Tavern was a hotel and restaurant. It was on the corner across from where the Civic Center is today.

It was here that a rider came to give the news that the battles against the King and England had started.

George Washington Slept Here

General George Washington stopped at the Parsons Tavern in June of 1775. He was on his way to lead the troops near Boston. While he was here, he saw that Springfield was in a good location.

Springfield’s Good Location

Remember about the river? The big English ships could not sail up the river! The town was also now near roads that went to Albany, Boston, and New York City. Since Springfield was a safe place and a place where stuff could be easily moved to the soldiers, the arsenal was built here to keep supplies and weapons. There also were men living here who knew how to build weapons too.

Inventions at the Armory

Over the years many things were invented at the Armory. Machines were invented so that parts did not have to be made by hand. This meant that all the parts could be the same. Now if a gun broke, a part from another gun or a spare part could be used to replace it.

The Little Dig

We are going to do some experiments.

What do you think this experiment will show?

Solve This Mystery

Here are two musical instruments. Can you guess what they might have to do with the Springfield Armory?

A Puzzle For You

Here is a puzzle for you!

Can you explain what interchangeability of parts means? How can this help us to live better today?

The Springfield Armory Museum

Today the Springfield Armory does not make or store guns anymore. It has been recycled!

Part of it is a museum.

Springfield Technical Community College

Part of it is Springfield Technical Community College or S.T.C.C.

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Recycling

And…

part of it is a fence!