1946 Map of Colrain

About this map

The North River and its various branches carve through the highlands of northern Franklin Co, Massachusetts, and southern Vermont in the years following World War II. Industrial activity and small-scale settlement concentrate along the river's path, notably in Griswoldville and Shattuckville, where the water power of the West Branch North River and East Branch North River historically fueled local mills. The landscape is dotted with early defensive history, marked by the Site of Fort Morris and the Site of Fort Lucas, which point to the colonial frontier roots of the Colrain and Leyden townships.