Chicopee, Massachusetts

Chicopee is a city of approximately 55,000 residents located in the Pioneer Valley, just north of Springfield, MA along the Connecticut River. First settled in 1640, Chicopee is comprised of several villages of Springfield which incorporated as a city in 1848. Neighborhoods such as Aldenville, Willimansett, and Cabotville retain the vestiges of these villages, and newer neighborhoods such as Chicomansett and Ferry Lane have formed as the city expanded. Four interstate highways run through Chicopee, providing relatively easy access to the larger cities of Springfield and Worcester, MA, Hartford, CT and Albany, NY.

Chicopee's city seal bears the Latin motto "Industriae Variae" or "Varied Industry." Transport and water power from the Connecticut River made a wide range of manufacture possible, including shipbuilding, fiber and textile mills, foundries, paper mills and shoe factories. Arms production was another prominent industry, with companies such as Ames Manufacturing Company, Crescent-Davis, and Savage Arms turning out cannons and swords, double-barreled shotguns, and Enfield rifles, respectively. Manufacturers of traditional foods, including kielbasa-maker Chicopee Provision Company, and Millie's Pierogi Company, reflect the vital contribution of Chicopee's many Polish-American immigrants to area business.

Twentieth-century additions to Chicopee's business profile include Fisk Rubber Company, maker of automobile and bicycle tires. Fisk Rubber was acquired in 1940 by U.S. Rubber Company (later Uniroyal), whose products included iconic sneaker brand Keds. 1940 also saw the establishment of Westover Air Reserve Base. Currently the largest Air Force Reserve Base in the United States, Westover is a "joint use" facility incorporating military and civilian airfields and terminal. With one of the largest runways on the east coast, Westover also serves as a backup landing site for NASA's space shuttles. Education and recreation are also valued in Chicopee, which is home to the first public library west of Boston, Elms College, and 575-acre Chicopee Memorial State Park.

Chicopee has a diverse history of manufacturing in industries known for their use of asbestos. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos products are at risk to develop asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. We provide information about treatment for mesothelioma in and around Chicopee at the bottom of this page.

Jobsites in Chicopee where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Chicopee, MA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Chicopee, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Chicopee, MA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Chicopee, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Chicopee, MA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.