Wonderful Western Massachusetts Attractions You Might Not Know Of (2024)

FAQs

What is something famous in Massachusetts? ›

Massachusetts' starring role in American history was cemented when the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620. But ever the over-achiever, the Bay State was also where the Salem Witch Trials, Boston Tea Party, and part of the Revolutionary War went down.

1. Boston. Boston is the largest city in Massachusetts, the testifier of the American Revolution and an international hub for education. Boston takes pride in its rich history and is counted as one of the oldest cities in America.

Springfield is the most populous city in and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers: the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern Mill River.

The western portion of Massachusetts consists approximately of the four counties of Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire. This set of four counties is sometimes regarded as defining western Massachusetts; for example, the Western Massachusetts Office of the Governor serves residents of these counties.

In 1639 America's first post office opened in Boston. In 1692 and 1693, untrue rumors led to witch hunts in Salem, Massachusetts. And in 1876 Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the first telephone. But Massachusetts may be most historically significant for the role its people played in the Revolutionary War.

Massachusetts is known for its Revolutionary War history, distinguished universities, charming towns with old colonial homes, and spectacular coastal beaches.

Fun Facts and Legends

Mount Tom, on the western edge of the Holyoke mountain range, may have been Dr. Seuss' inspiration for Mount Krumpit in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The town of Easthampton at its base plays Whoville every year, singing Christmas carols at their town gazebo.

Dover. Dover is Massachusetts' richest town, with a per capita income of $134,000 and a typical house price of $1.6 million. This city, located on the southern banks of the Charles River, is approximately 40 minutes from Boston and is primarily residential.

Replaced by 'West Mass,' 'Pioneer Valley' name was once center of region's tourism brand.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.4 square miles (57.9 km²), of which 22.2 square miles (57.5 km²) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km²), or 0.67%, is water. Mount Washington is the westernmost and southwesternmost town in Massachusetts.

What are the hill towns of Western Massachusetts? ›

The Hilltowns of the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts include the towns of: Ashfield, Becket, Buckland, Charlemont, Chester, Chesterfield, Colrain, Conway, Cummington, Goshen, Hawley, Haydenville, Heath, Huntington, Worthington and more!

Massachusetts is unique among states because its history and culture predate and epitomize the experiences of the country as a whole.

A hub of education and innovation

Massachusetts is synonymous with academic excellence and groundbreaking research. The state is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both located in Cambridge.

We're famous for being the home of the Toll House and Fig Newton cookies, Boston cream pie, Boston baked beans, and cranberry sauce! From our seacoast towns to inland farms, the Bay State produces a delicious variety of fresh foods.

The Boston Tea Party: Defiance In The Harbor

When you hear the name “Boston”, it's almost impossible not to think of the famous tea party that changed world history.

Massachusetts is known for its seafood like lobster, crab, oysters, New England Clam Chowder (or “chowdah”) and Scallops. It's also the birthplace of Boston Cream Pie, Nestle Toll House Cookies, Parker House Rolls, and fluffernutter sandwiches, which I took as inspiration for my Fluffernutter Cookies.