Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, Springfield History Theater, Second Floor

State Street has been the primary east/west artery in the City of Springfield for more than 200 years. It was the main road into the city from Boston and Worcester and other points east and was also the site of the first United States Armory, which fueled the regional economy for more than a century.

This exhibition tells the story of State Street, from its Revolutionary War-era origins as the “Boston Road” to the current State Street Corridor renewal project and the opening of the new Federal Courthouse. Included are historic photographs taken along the length of State Street displayed alongside recent pictures showing the improvements that have been made as part of the State Street renewal project; and a documentary produced by WGBY featuring dramatic footage taken from a helicopter fly-over along State Street, interviews with local historians and Congressman Neal, historic views of the street, and scenes of the recent renovation work in progress.

Locations and landmarks featured include the area now known as Mason Square, site of the famous Indian Motocycle Company; the former United States Armory, which is now Springfield Technical Community College; MassMutual which originated on the corner of State and Main, erected Springfield’s first skyscraper on the same location, and eventually built the large State Street complex it occupies today; the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company building and the Springfield City Library, both examples of the City Beautiful Movement; the former Church of the Unity, a masterpieces by Henry Hobson Richardson, the most important American architect of the later half of the 19th century; and other important sections along the street.

Funded in part by a grant from the Springfield Media and Telecommunications Group, Inc.