15. Babbitt Axe Factory (1852-1880)

Babbitt Axe Factory began operations 1852 on this site where blacksmith Andrew Babbitt had acquired a small plot of land from his father-in-law, along with the right to erect a dam to harness the power of the West Branch of the Westfield River. In the years following the opening of the factory, a small village known as Babbittville sprang up in the surrounding area.