Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Pittsfield is the largest city in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, with a population of around 45,793. Pittsfield is the commercial, residential and cultural center of the Berkshire region. Many handsome 19th and early 20th century buildings have been preserved and remain in use, including the 1918 Colonial Theatre. Other cultural establishments include the Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Athenaeum, and Berkshire Museum. Recent development in the downtown area has brought a variety of ethnic restaurants, condominiums and businesses to this historic district. The western portion of the city is dominated by Pittsfield State Forest, an 11,000-acre preserve which offers swimming, hiking and other outdoor activities.

The land which would become Pittsfield was purchased by Col. Jacob Wendell in 1738. Wendell planned to divide the area and resell the plots to other settlers, but conflicts with the local Mohican peoples prevented the area from being fully settled by the English for several decades. Pittsfield was officially incorporated in 1761. Early industry was mainly agricultural, but the Housatonic River and its many feeder brooks provided power for a variety of mill-based manufacturing, including lumber, paper and textiles. Cultivation of Merino sheep, and the manufacture of woolens were the prominent industry for much of the 19th century. By 1891, Pittsfield had grown substantially, and was reincorporated as a city. In that year, the Stanley Electric Manufacturing Company produced its first electric transformer. In 1903, the company was acquired by General Electric Company. By 1930, the success of GE's Pittsfield facility made it a primary employer in a city which now numbered 50,000 residents. Manufacturing in Pittsfield has declined as the textile industry and others have relocated, but GE Advanced Materials, now owned by SABIC-Innovative Plastics, is still one of Pittsfield's largest employers.

Pittsfield's legacy of historic buildings, together with its manufacturing roots, places Pittsfield in a high risk category for asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma. For your convenience, we have listed mesothelioma cancer centers located in or near Pittsfield at the bottom of this page. If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos in Pittsfield, you may benefit by seeking counsel from a mesothelioma attorney.

Jobsites in Pittsfield where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Pittsfield, 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 Pittsfield, MA

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