11 Facts About Western Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts, known colloquially as “Western Mass, ” is a region in Massachusetts, one of the six U S states that make up the New England region of the United States.

Western part of Western Massachusetts includes the Berkshire Mountains, where there are several vacation resorts.

Western Massachusetts was originally settled by Native American societies, including the Pocomtuc, Nonotuck Mohawk, Nipmuck, and Mahican.

The rest of Western Massachusetts is lightly populated, particularly the Hilltowns where densities below 50 persons per square mile are the rule.

Western Massachusetts has been compared as a microcosm of the rest of the United States.

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The third largest city in Western Massachusetts, Springfield is situated in the region, and it has struggled financially coming close to bankruptcy at the beginning of the 21st century.

The residents of Western Massachusetts have vibrant culture in and support the local mix of arts, tourism, and culture.

Several communities in Western Massachusetts Mass have fought to have changes made the Chapter 70 structure which the state presently uses to allocate education funding to cities and towns.

Western Massachusetts used to be the Republican stronghold in an otherwise heavily Democratic state, but it is consistently viewed by political analysts as one of the most politically liberal regions in the United States.

Some residents of Western Massachusetts are critical towards Boston, the state's capital and largest city.

Long a haven for small, independent businesses, Western Massachusetts has expressed conflicted feelings towards big box corporations, leading to controversies about zoning changes and variances that would allow companies such as Wal-Mart to build in Western Massachusetts towns.