Westfield, Massachusetts, located in Hampden County, was initially established as a plantation in 1660 and officially incorporated as a town in 1669.

The city encompasses 44.8 square miles (116.1 km2), with the Westfield River flowing through its center and forming notable features like Hampton Ponds and Westfield Athenaeum Falls.

Westfield's population has steadily grown over the years, reaching an estimated 43,001 residents in 2023, making it the 12th largest city in Massachusetts.

The city's economy has historically been driven by manufacturing, particularly paper and textiles, although it has diversified in recent decades to include healthcare, retail, and education.

Westfield is home to Westfield State University, founded in 1838 as the Westfield Normal School and now offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The cultural landscape of Westfield is vibrant, featuring the Westfield Athenaeum, the largest public library system in Western Massachusetts, and the Westfield on Weekends festival, showcasing local art, music, and food.

The Stanley Park Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a charming neighborhood adorned with Victorian-era homes and lush parkland.

Westfield was the site of the historic "Shaker Glen," once a thriving Shaker community established in 1838, which left behind remnants of their unique architecture and lifestyle.

The city played a significant role in the American Revolution, with its residents actively participating in the Battle of Saratoga and raising funds for the Continental Army.

Westfield has a long history of scientific contributions, with the invention of the air brake by George Westinghouse and the development of the first practical automobile by Alexander Winton taking place within its borders.

Westfield is home to the world's largest producer of precision balls and bearings, SKF USA Inc., a testament to the city's continued commitment to innovation and manufacturing.

The city boasts a strong sense of community spirit, fostered by numerous local organizations, including the Westfield Rotary Club and the Westfield YMCA.

Westfield's annual Harvest Festival, held every October, celebrates the city's agricultural heritage and features a parade, crafts fair, and live entertainment.

The city is home to the Tekoa Country Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the United States, designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross.

Westfield holds a special place in the history of alternative medicine, as it was the site of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still's practice, who founded osteopathic medicine in 1874.