Palmer, Massachusetts, has a storied past that dates back to its settlement in 1727. The town is a tapestry of four distinct villages: Depot Village, Thorndike, Three Rivers, and Bondsville, each with its own unique character and history. Depot Village, often referred to as “Palmer,” is renowned for its ornate Union Station railroad terminal, designed by the celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson. The town’s development was significantly influenced by the arrival of two rail lines and a trolley line in the 19th century, which spurred population growth and economic development.

In contemporary times, Palmer continues to thrive as a city within Hampden County, with a population of 12,448 as of the 2020 census. It is an integral part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. Palmer stands out as one of the thirteen Massachusetts municipalities that have adopted a city form of government while retaining “The town of” in their official names. The city’s government operates under a council-manager system, established by a home rule charter in 2004. The recent construction of Liberty Plaza, which will house Palmer’s first Starbucks, Chipotle, and Jersey Mike’s Subs, marks a significant milestone in the town’s ongoing growth and modernization.