One of many mills along the Hoosic. Note how close it is to the river.

After the American Revolution, more people moved into the Hoosic Valley. Some were farmers, but by the mid-1800′s there were mills and factories along the river, using the river as a source of water power and as a way to get rid of waste. Industry continued to build along the Hoosic throughout the 1800′s and much of the 1900′s. New England and New York became world leaders in manufacturing and technology.

In 1875, the Hoosac Tunnel was finally punched through the barrier of the Hoosac Plateau, at a cost of almost 200 workers’ lives. At 4.74 miles, it was the longest tunnel in the world at the time. This achievement reflects New England’s stature during that era as a world leader in technical and industrial innovation.

Western portal of Hoosac Tunnel, overlooking the Hoosic at Western Gateway Heritage State Park, North Adams. - Photo courtesy North Adams Public Library.

The tunnel opened the way for the Fitchburg Railroad to ascend the Hoosac Valley from Mechanicsville, NY, go straight through the mountains, and on to Boston. This railroad connection was extremely important for commerce and industry.

More about the Hoosac Tunnel at:
PBS
Berkshire Web
Mass Gov

North Adams, Holden St. bridge, flood 1937

During the industrial period, the people and the river were both destructive. Since industries and households used the river as an open sewer, the Hoosic became offensive and a source of disease. Local papers commented annually on people’s habit of dumping their garbage on the frozen river, where it stayed until the spring thaw swept it away. Even after water-powered mills were history, the river remained the site for industry– and dumping–because factories, highways and railroads all lined the river valley.

North Adams, Brooklyn St. flood 1938

Occasionally the river turned the tables, visiting towns with devastating floods. After heavy rain or snow, the narrow, steep sides of the upper valley acted as a funnel. Floodwaters rushed from the hills into the valley bottom and destroyed homes and businesses.

North Adams, River St. flood 1938

North Adams, near Eagle St. flood 1948

Concrete walls protect against floods but take away riverbanks.

In the 1940s and 1950s, flood control structures were built in Adams, North Adams, and elsewhere in the watershed. That put an end to the most destructive flooding. It also walled off sections of the river from many of the people who live next to it. At that time, people didn’t mind very much because the river was foul with pollution. Now the situation is different.