Greenfield

Related Category: U.S. Political Geography

town (1990 pop. 18,666), 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.