Haberman Insurance proudly serves the personal and business insurance needs of the Chicopee community. Whether you are in the market to find coverage for your business, or are a homeowner looking to protect your investment, our specialized insurance agents are here for you.
Chicopee is a special place and to live and work and we love serving the great people in this city. Below, you can find some cool background information about awesome community!
Chicopee, Massachusetts is the second largest city in western MA with a population of 55,000. It’s situated upon the Connecticut River in Hampden County. Chicopee’s nickname is the “Crossroads of New England” due to its convenient location near the Massachusetts Turnpike, I-91, I-291, and I-391, in addition to several state routes. From Chicopee, residents can easily access areas throughout Massachusetts and New England.
Chicopee is neighbored by Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield, Ludlow, Granby, and South Hadley. It covers nearly 23 square miles, with the Chicopee River, as well as many steams and ponds accounting for 1 square mile of that territory.
Chicopee was once a collection of villages that were a part of Springfield. These villages have since become distinct neighborhoods in the city. Chicopee Falls, Chicopee Center (Cabotville), Fairview, and Willimansett make up the original four villages. Since becoming a city, additional neighborhoods including Aldenville, Chicomansett, Ferry Lane, Sandy Hill, and Burnett Road have developed.
Chicopee’s history began when Springfield, Massachusetts was purchased and settled by William Pynchon in 1636. Consisting of fields, meadows, and waterways, the land was used for agriculture as well as industry. In 1848, Chicopee was incorporated as its own town, taking nearly half the population of Springfield with it, as well as 40% of the land area.
With its abundant waterways, the area was ripe for industrial development including sawmills, an iron foundry, textile mills, and other factories flourishing at various points in the city’s history. Some of the industries here became known around the world including:
The area attracted large numbers of Polish and French-Canadian immigrants, whose influence is still felt today. Chicopee is now a modern city with great diversity. Consisting of residential neighborhoods and service-oriented businesses, the city attracts residents from many walks of life.
Located within Chicopee is the nation’s largest air reserve base: Westover Air Reserve Base. It covers over 2,500 acres and is home to Air Force Reserve units, as well as Army, Marine, and Navy reserve units. It was created in 1939 by an appropriations bills signed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to prepare for World War II. It was turned over to the reserve forces in 1974. More than 2,700 military and civilian workers are employed here.
Westover has one of the largest runways on the east coast, measuring 11, 597 x 301 feet. This runway made Westover an alternative landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle, until the shuttles were decommissioned in 2011. Westover is also home to the largest cargo aircraft in the Air Force, the C-5 Galaxy.
The air force base hosts the Great New England Air Show, which draws hundreds of the thousands of visitors to Chicopee. Last held in 2015, the show commonly features the Blue Angels, RCAF Snowbirds, US Army Golden Knights, and other prestigious military units from both the United States and Canada.
Chicopee, Massachusetts combines industrial city life with residential neighborhoods in a unique setting along the Connecticut River. With much to offer locals and visitors, it’s no surprise that this city is known as the Crossroads of New England.
