Greenfield <1> City (2020 pop.
18,937), Monterey co., SW Calif.; inc. 1947. Thirty-three miles SE of
Salinas, the town was originally founded in 1902 by John Clark who purchased
the land and the water rights in the area. It is a major agricultural
center. <2> City (2020 pop. 23,488), seat of Hancock co.,
central Ind.; inc. 1876. Founded in 1828, the town was a major stop on the
national road and railroad lines. In 1887, natural gas was discovered there,
leading to a boom that lasted two decades. Local industries include
automotive parts, furniture, and pharmaceuticals. Poet James Whitcomb
Riley was born
there. <3> Town (2020 pop. 17,768), seat of Franklin co., NW
Mass., at the confluence of the Deerfield and Green rivers, near their
junction with the Connecticut; settled 1686, set off from Deerfield and inc.
1753. The first cutlery factory in the United States was established there
in the early 1800s. Other products include silverware, electronic
components, and lumber. Agriculture and dairy farming are also important.
The town, the eastern terminus of the Mohawk Trail, was the site of many
Native American attacks until 1735. A historical museum is in the town.
Asher Benjamin
was born there, and several buildings designed by him remain. Poet's Seat
Tower provides a spectacular view of the town.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. Political Geography
