a town of the United States of North America, in Massachusetts, on the left bank of the Connecticut, 98 miles W. by S. of Boston, and 138 N.N.E. from New York. It occupies a fine situation, on a flat tract near the river and a rising ground beyond, and is for the most part well built of brick. The streets extend either parallel to the river, or at right angles to it, and in the centre of the town is an open space, containing fine trees and public walks. There are 12 or 13 churches, belonging to different sects, many schools, and two newspaper offices. Springfield contains the largest arsenal in the United States. It is in an elevated position, built of brick, and covers about 20 acres. There are about 20 water-wheels and 30 forges in connection with it; from 250 to 300 hands are employed; and about 15,000 muskets are annually manufactured. About 175,000 stand of arms are kept continually in store at this arsenal. Springfield has also manufactories of paper, iron, locomotives, and various kinds of machinery. The size and prosperity of the town are rapidly increasing. Pop. (1850) 11,766.

the capital of the state of Illinois, one of the United States of North America, in the midst of wide, rich prairies, 96 miles N.N.E. of St Louis. It is regularly laid out, with a public square, and several wide, handsome streets. The chief buildings are the state-house, courthouse, banks, churches, academies, &c. The town was founded in 1822, and had in 1853 about 6500 inhabitants.

a town of the United States of North America, in Ohio, stands in a fertile and well-cultivated district, 84 miles N.N.E. of Cincinnati. It contains numerous churches, schools, public libraries, and newspaper offices. Cotton and woollen cloth, paper, and machinery, are manufactured in the vicinity. Pop. (1850) 5109.