George Washington Memorial Highway - West Springfield, MA
Posted by: neoc1
N 42° 05.572 W 072° 37.155
18T E 696886 N 4662830
Plaque on Memorial Avenue marks the George Washington Memorial Highway.
Waymark Code: WMBYRG
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 07/05/2011
Views: 1
In 1932 the country celebrated the bicentennial of Washington's birth. The route Washington took through New England was named the
George Washington Memorial Highway ans several plaques were placed along his route.
Washington traveled down West Springfield's Memorial Avenue twice, On June 30, 1775, Washington traveled through West Springfield while en-route to Cambridge to take command of the Continental Army. Fourteen years later, as President, Washington passed through town on October 21, 1789, en-route to Boston while visiting New England. His route took him north from Hartford, CT., passing through Main St. in Agawam and crossing the Westfield River into West Springfield. In 1775, General Washington forded the Westfield River in horseback into West Springfield. In 1789, President Washington rode in a coach across the new bridge across the river. In the 1700's the ferry crossing the Connecticut River left from what is now the Town of West Springfield and landed in Springfield where travelers could take the Boston Post Road to Boston.
The top of the marker features a bas relief George Washington's profile.
Inscription:
This tablet marks
the
George
Washington
Memorial
Highway
at
West Springfield
1732 - 1932
There is an identical plaque (except for the town name) on Memorial Avenue in West Springfield. Also, the Massachusetts Historical Database lists identical markers (except for the town name) in Palmer and Waltham.
Links to MHDB
MHDB - Palmer Link
MHDB - Waltham Link