Hampden County, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hampden County
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Location within the U.S. state of Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Massachusetts |
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| Founded | August 1, 1812 | |
| Named for | John Hampden | |
| Seat | Springfield | |
| Largest city | Springfield | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 634 sq mi (1,640 km2) | |
| • Land | 617 sq mi (1,600 km2) | |
| • Water | 17 sq mi (40 km2) 2.7%% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 465,825  |
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| • Density | 755/sq mi (292/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| Congressional districts | 1st, 2nd | |
Hampden County is a special area in the state of Massachusetts, USA. It's located in a beautiful region called the Pioneer Valley. Even though it's called a "county," it doesn't have its own local government like some other counties.
In 2020, about 465,825 people lived in Hampden County. The main city and traditional center of the county is Springfield. Springfield is the biggest city in the Connecticut River Valley. It's also an important place for business and culture. About one-third of everyone living in Hampden County lives in Springfield.
History of Hampden County
Springfield was once part of Hampshire County. For a long time, Springfield was the main town, or "shire town," for Hampshire County. A shire town is like the county's capital, where important government offices are located.
Becoming Its Own County
Over time, Springfield grew much faster than other towns in Hampshire County. Because it was growing so much, people decided it needed its own county. So, on August 1, 1812, the southern part of Hampshire County became a new county called Hampden County. Springfield was chosen as its shire town.
Hampden County was named after a person named John Hampden. He was a famous English politician who lived a long time ago. Hampden County is the newest county in Massachusetts.
Where Hampden County Is Located
Hampden County is surrounded by other counties and states.
- To the north is Hampshire County.
- To the west is Berkshire County.
- To the east is Worcester County.
- To the south are three counties in Connecticut: Litchfield County, Hartford County, and Tolland County.
Hampden County is part of a larger area called the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's connected to Springfield and nearby towns. It's the most city-like county in Western Massachusetts. The area around Springfield and Hartford, Connecticut, is known as the "Knowledge Corridor." It's the second-largest urban area in New England, with about 1.9 million people living there. This area is important for education and business.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Hampden para niños
