Springfield is a city in the state of Massachusetts, United States and the seat of Hampden County. Springfield is located on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers: the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern Mill River. The total population is over 155,000, making it the third largest city in Massachusetts, the fourth most populous city in New England after Boston, Worcester and Providence. George Washington, established in 1636 as the first Springfield in the New World, named it the site of the Springfield Armory for its central location during the American Revolution. Hartford, Connecticut's capital, sits on the western side of the Connecticut River, 24 miles south of Springfield. The Hartford Springfield area is known as the Information Corridor, as it hosts over 160,000 university students and more than 32 universities and colleges of liberal arts. Established in 1636 as the first Springfield in the New World, it was named by George Washington during the American Revolution as the site of the Springfield Armory for its central position, and subsequently the site of Shays' Rebellion. The distance of the town Springfield is 33 miles.