Founded in 1812, Hampden County of Massachusetts has a population of about 465,000 and sits on the state’s southernmost border. This area encompasses Springfield, which is the county seat, and stretches across 634 square miles. Hampden County is known for Brimfield State Forest, which offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails and a fishing pond.

The first permanent settlers arrived in 1715, and in 1735 the town of Brimfield was incorporated, and included present-day Monson within its boundaries. Monson is bordered on the north by Palmer, on the east by Brimfield and Wales, on the south by Stafford, Connecticut, and on the west by Hampden and Wilbraham. The Quaboag River forms the eastern half of the northern border of town, and U.S. Route 20 forms the western half of the northern border.