Mason's Square in Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The First Game of Basketball
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 9, 2025
1. The First Game of Basketball marker location
A monument marking the site of
the first game of basketball
State & Sherman streets
Springfield, Massachusetts December 21, 1891
Founded and inspired by Aaron Williams
Presented by: The City of Springfield The Basketball Hall of Fame Springfield College McDonald's MassMutual Financial Group Columbia Gas Of Massachusetts Baystate Health The Chicago Bulls Hampden Bank Palmer Paving Corporation Southworth Paper Company
Dedicated August 8, 2010
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno The Department Of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management Springfield Park Commissioners John Maloney, Chairman Clodo Concepcion Terry Rodrigues Jay Griffin Brian Santaniello Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director Michael Tully, Designer Master Sculptor Brian P. Hanlon
Erected 2010.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is December 21, 1891.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 42° 6.641′ N, 72° 33.953′ W. Marker was in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. It was in Mason's Square. It was at the intersection
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Massachusetts’ Knowledge Corridor and in Pioneer Valley. It was also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: The Challenge to James Naismith (here, next to this marker); Springfield College (a few steps from this marker); Growth of the Game (a few steps from this marker); The Original Site (a few steps from this marker); Mason Square Viet Nam Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Winchester Square District World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away); The Buckingham Cornerstone (about 600 feet away); Leonard A. Corbin (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 9, 2025
2. Overview of the entire monument
Also see . . . Marker/Dedication Stone - Springfield College Archives and Special Collections. (Submitted on November 20, 2025.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
