Westfield

Westfield traces its roots back to May 6, 1834, when it was established by three North Carolina Quakers—Asa Bales, Ambrose Osborne, and Simon Moon. The community is thought to have been intentionally founded as a stop on the Underground Railroad, supported by local families affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends and the Wesleyan Methodist Church. As laws became stricter against aiding those escaping slavery, a division occurred within the Westfield Quaker Friends Meeting House, leading to the formation of the Anti-Slavery Friends.

The town gained official incorporation status in 1848.

More recently, on January 1, 2008, Westfield transitioned from a town to a city, with Andy Cook becoming its first mayor. Since then, the city has experienced significant growth, particularly in southern Washington Township, with the population more than tripling from 9,293 in 2000 to 30,068 in 2010. In response to this rapid expansion, city leaders have proposed major redevelopment plans for the downtown area, including the construction of a new library and city hall.

Westfield also has historical significance, with the Union High Academy Historic District added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

In 2014, the city expanded its amenities with the opening of the Grand Park Sports Complex, a major regional facility that went on to host events like the 2016 Big Ten Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament.