Springfield History

At the Crossroads: Springfield, Massachusetts, 1636-1975 by F. Bauer (1975)

Produced by the Bicentennial Committee of Springfield with well over 200 drawings, photographs and maps, this book was written for a popular audience and is one of the more complete and up-to-date histories of Springfield. Indexed and illustrated. Circulating copy.

The History of Springfield in Massachusetts for the Young by C. Barrows (1921)

Though intended for adolescent readers, this book is suitable older readers too. Of note is the opening chapter on the region's geological history. Special attention is given to military history as it pertains to Springfield, most notably King Phillip's War, Shays' Rebellion, and the Spanish-American War. Indexed and illustrated. Circulating copy.

King's Handbook of Springfield Massachusettsedited by M. King (1884)

As a collection of 21 essays on 1880's Springfield, King's Handbook offers a deep look into a narrow window of time. Though not a narrative history per se , the book will interest historically minded readers as many of the featured subjects are not widely covered in other resources. Indexed and illustrated. No circulating copies.

Main Street: Then and Nowby E. Lonergan (1984)

This volume compiled by Springfield librarian Edmond Lonergan offers black and white photographs with brief descriptions of downtown Springfield in two views: one from the late 19th Century and another from the 1980's. The annotations highlight distinctions between the photographs for easy comparison. No circulating copies.

The Pynchons of Springfield; Founders and Colonizers, 1636-1702 by F. Armytage (1969)

This slim volume, intended to replace Barrows' book The History of Springfield… in local schools, offers a single narrative describing the lives and influences of two generations of Pynchons, the founding family of Springfield. Illustrated. Circulating copy.

Springfieldby G. Cruickshank (1999)

Part of the series "Images of America," this two volume set is a collection of black and white photograph aimed at the casual reader. Each photograph has its own annotation and though many of the images can be found in other texts on this list, their regrouping into single-themed chapters (e.g. transportation, churches, schools, sports) give them fresh meaning. Illustrated . Circulating copy.

Springfield Present and Prospective: the City of Homesedited by J. Tower (1905)

The late 19th Century was a time of rapid growth for Springfield which is reflected in Springfield's bibliography as there are several works which capture the spirit and successes of that era. Springfield Present and Prospective is a delightful example of this literature with a diverse range of essays on the city's character all of which are meant to instill an appreciation for the city and to highlight its future potential. Indexed and illustrated. Circulating copy.

Springfield, 1636-1886: History of Town and City by M. Green. (1888)

Current through the 250 th anniversary of Springfield (1886), this is the most detailed and complete narrative history of 17 th -19 th century Springfield. Indexed and illustrated. Circulating copy.

Springfield, 1636-1986by M. Konig & M. Kaufman. (1987)

The first part of this book is a collection of seven essays ranging from Shays' Rebellion to 20th Century Springfield. The later part is a collection of "photo essays" comprised of over a hundred photographs of Springfield's neighborhoods, industry and more. Indexed and illustrated. Circulating copy.

Springfield--350 Years: A Pictorial History by D. D'Amato (1985)

This book is ideal for those who want a quick and easy introduction to Springfield's history. It is printed on heavy, glossy-stock paper with over 400 black and white drawings, photographs and maps and offers a descriptive essay for each of Springfield's four centuries detailing key events, businesses and people. Illustrated with a brief index. Circulating copy.

Town Into City; Springfield, Massachusetts and the Meaning of Community, 1840-1880by M. Frisch (1972)

This text is best suited for sociology and urban studies scholars, though its detailed consideration of mid-19th Century Springfield makes it valuable to historians as well. Indexed. Circulating copy.

NOTE: For most of these books, the Library owns several copies in different shelving locations.  Please check the catalog or ask a librarian to locate the best copy.

For more information about the history of Springfield, Massachusetts, visit the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum on the Quadrangle.