1894 Map of Barre

About this map

Barre and the surrounding Worcester County uplands are defined by the convergence of the Ware River and two significant rail lines during the late 19th century. The Boston and Albany Railroad and the Central Massachusetts Railroad intersect at Barre Plains, a junction that historically fueled the industrial character of local villages. Along the river, manufacturing nodes like Old Furnace and Gilbertville developed around water power and transit access, while the northern reaches of the map show the rural character of Petersham and Hubbardston.