Edward Dwyer

Easthampton (Ma) (Images of America) Edward Dwyer

Once part of Northampton, the village of Easthampton was founded over three hunderd years ago with a land grant to John Webb, the first European settler. Situated along the Connecticut River, the settlement grew with the arrival of farmers and the emergence of sawmills. Continued expansion attracted more settlers and by 1785, Easthampton had become its own polital entity. Twenty-four years later, Easthampton was formally recognized as a town. The second half of the ninteenth century brought manufacturing to Easthampton. Textile mills and elastic production marked the transition from an agricultural settlement to an industrial community. Seeking employment, many immigrants relocated to Easthampton, thus creating the need for schools, banks, churches, and other institutions. The town continued to prosper through World War I. Many businesses have come and gone since those days. The arrival of the Stanley Home Products Company helped encourage an economic revitalization that returned stability to the community. In 1999, the town became a city. Today, the social and economic fabric of Easthampton continues to grow and strengthen.