The City of Holyoke was first established in 1850 and is located in the Hampden County area. The Connecticut River runs along the city where the first of many dams was built in 1848.
Holyoke is claimed to be the "Birthplace of Volleyball" which was invented by a man named William G. Morgan at the Holyoke YMCA in 1895. Just to name a few recreational attractions there is the Volleyball Hall of Fame along with Wistariahurst Museum and a wonderful Children's museum there is also the Holyoke Heritage State Park which includes the Mt. Park Merry Go Round and hosts "Celebrate Holyoke" a three day event that includes nationally known performers.