Westfield is beautifully nestled at the foot of the picturesque Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. From the time of its founding, Westfield has been the most western town in the Massachusetts Colony. Westfield is bordered by West Springfield on the east, Southwick on the south, Granville on the southwest, Russell and Montgomery on the west, Southampton on the north and Holyoke on the northeast.

Early inhabitants of this area were entirely devoted to agricultural pursuits. Early in the 19th century the making of bricks, whips, and cigars became the principal occupations. Other firms engaged in the production of bicycles, paper products, boilers and radiators, textile machinery, abrasives, wood products and precision tools. The establishment of industry in the community changed its character from agricultural to a thriving industrial city during the latter part of the 19th century.

Westfield is currently a regional commercial and industrial center. Some agriculture is still carried on in Westfield, but today manufacturing is the largest source of employment with wholesale and retail trade second in importance.

• City of Westfield - www.cityofwestfield.org