Page Contents for Northampton, Massachusetts

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Libraries.

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Massachusetts state capital is Boston.
The population of Northampton is approximately 28,978 (2000), 28549 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 12,405 (2000), 12000 (2010).
The amount of land area in Northampton is 89.254 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 2.95 sq kilometers.
The distance from Northampton to Washington DC is 335 miles.
The distance to the Massachusetts state capital is 87 miles. (as the crow flies)
Northampton is positioned 42.32 degrees north of the equator and 72.67 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Northampton per capita income is $ 24,022 (2000).
Northampton median income is $ 41,808 (2000).

Location

in western Massachusetts in the foothills of the Berkshires and bordered by the banks of the Connecticut River

Here is a directions page for Northampton.
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Weather

seasonal. Here is a current weather page for Northampton.
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History & History Related Items

The Nonotuck Indians sold this land to the Puritans in 1654. Initially it was a strict Puritan community with strong preaching and calls for repentance along with some of the witch hysteria that was prevalent during this time. The time period after the Revolutionary War left local residents struggling economically. By 1789, farmers were hit hard by land-based taxes as they had small cash flow with which to pay the taxes. Because they couldn’t pay the increased taxes, laws were in place that allowed states to take the farms of the delinquent taxpayers. An uprising because of these seizures was led by Daniel Shays on 29 August 1789. Shays Rebellion had a large influence on the delegates to the Constitutional Convention that was taking place at this time.

From the early 1800’s, transportation in the area improved as new bridges and a canal were built. When the railroad arrived in 1845, the advantage increased making the area a large industrial center. Not only was business and prosperity increasing in the Northampton area but it was also becoming an educational center for the area as well. The Gothic Seminary was an excellent private school for girls and Anna Laura Clarke’s preparatory School was also located here. In 1823, the Round Hill School for boys was opened. The Clarke School for the Deaf was opened in part due to the efforts of Alexander Graham Bell and is still highly regarded today.

Former U.S. President, Calvin Coolidge was a lawyer here with his office on Main Street. He was Mayor of the city in 1910 and 1911. Then rapidly became a State Senator, Governor and Vice President of the United States. Finally, he became the president in 1923. For many years the nickname for Northampton was Hamp, but in recent years it was shortened differently as Noho.
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Attractions

Historic Northampton
46 Bridge Street
Northampton, MA 010660
Phone: 413-584-6011
Your Gateway to History in the Heart of Massachusetts
A museum of local history with collections, exhibits, a shop and more.

Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum
Located in the Forbes Library
20 West Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Phone: 413-587-1014

Smith College Museum of Art
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-2760

Paradise City Arts Festivals
Festivals are held throughout the year

Pride Day is held each year the beginning of May and includes a parade.
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Northampton City Government

City of Northampton
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Mayor: (413) 587-1249
Fax: (413) 587-1275

Northampton Chamber

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
99 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 584-1900

Northampton Organizations

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
99 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 584-1900

Northampton Libraries

Forbes Library
20 West Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: 413-587-1011
Be sure to visit the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Room.

Northampton Schools

Clarke School for the Deaf
Round Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Voice-TDD: 413-584-3450
Fax: 413-584-8273

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Northampton Public Schools
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: (413) 587-1331
Fax: (413) 587-1318

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HIGHER EDUCATION

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Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
Phone: (413) 584-2700 Northampton

Miscellany

The population of Northampton was:
1990 - 29,289
2000 - 28,978