The history of Holyoke is rich in struggles. In 1876, unemployed immigrants rallied at City Hall in a mass march to demand better wages. That same year, Anna Sullivan led an organizing campaign for the Amalgamated Textile Workers Union, winning the first forty-hour work week at the Skinner Silk Mill. Despite this history, Holyoke still has an enviable population, and officials hope to revitalize the city's canal system left behind by industrialists. In fact, the Canal System was initially built to harness the energy of the Connecticut River.
The area's historic demographics are a product of its varied history. Before the construction of the Holyoke Canal System, the city's population consisted primarily of working-class immigrants. Many of these immigrants were Irish, and the city's Irish heritage is still evident in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. The city's Irish heritage can be seen in the numerous churches, schools, and schools.
The City's walkability varies considerably by neighborhood. The Rock Valley neighborhood, for example, is car-dependent, while the downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and possesses a high Walk Score of 84. Despite the steepness of Holyoke's hill, the city's pedestrian-friendly design has drawn many people to walk the streets of the city. The city's CanalWalk is an excellent example of the latter.