NORTHAMPTON, a post-town and shire-town of Hampshire county, Massachusetts, one of the United States of North America. It stands on a hill near the west bank of the Connecticut River, 95 miles W. from Boston; and consists chiefly of two streets laid out with considerable regularity. It contains several handsome public buildings, of which the court-house, jail, and one of the churches are the most conspicuous. The private houses are in general large and in a good style, and many of them are elegant. Northampton is one of the most beautiful towns in New England, and distinguished for the refinement and intelligence of its inhabitants. A stream passes near the centre of the town, on which are erected numerous mills and many manufactory. The rearing of the silk-worm has been carried on here for some time, and large quantities of silk, as well as cotton and woollen goods, are manufactured. Farmington Canal extends from Newhaven to this place. A bridge, built in 1826, connecting this town and Hadley, is 1086 feet in length by 36 in breadth, and is supported by six piers and two abutments. The lands bordering on Connecticut River, in which are now the towns of Northampton, Hadley, and Hatfield, were first known by the Indian name Nonotuck. It was the third place settled on the river in this state, and was incorporated in 1654. Amongst the striking objects in the scenery of Northampton are the
Northamp- beautiful river, and the heights called Mount Tom and
Northamp- Mount Holyoke, the former being 1200 and the latter 900
Northamp- feet above the river. Long. 72. 38. W., Lat. 42. 19. N.
Northamp- Pop. (1850) 5278.