Monson, Massachusetts, has a history that began with the first colonist settling in the area in 1657. The town was officially incorporated in 1775 and named after Sir John Monson. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Monson developed a robust industrial base, with mills along the Chicopee Brook and a significant granite quarry that operated until about 1935. The town was also known for its woolen mills, which were a cornerstone of its economy during this time¹.

Today, Monson is a community with a population of 8,150 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area and continues to embody the pastoral charm of New England. The town has a culturally rich profile, noted for theater, the arts, and its festivals. A recent addition to its cultural landscape is a mural titled “Past, Present and Future,” which celebrates Monson’s rich history and hopeful future².