Northampton, County seat in Hampshire County, Massachusetts.
Northampton is a county seat in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, that sits along the Connecticut River. The settlement spreads along the riverbank and includes several green spaces as well as connected paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
English colonists founded the settlement in 1654 on land previously inhabited by American Indian people as Norwottuck. The area developed into an economic and cultural center in western Massachusetts during the 19th century.
The name comes from Northampton in England and reflects the colonial roots of the settlement. Residents use the nickname Paradise City in daily conversation and maintain a welcoming community spirit.
The downtown area is easy to navigate on foot and many shops are close together. The streets are designed for pedestrians and bike paths connect different neighborhoods to one another.
Swedish singer Jenny Lind called the settlement the Paradise of America during her visit in 1851. This remark led to the lasting nickname Paradise City, which locals still use today.
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