1977 Map of Colrain

About this map

Colrain and its surrounding mill villages along the West Branch North River define this corner of Franklin County. The map details the industrial and residential clustering in Griswoldville, Lyonsville, and Foundry Village, where water power from the river branches shaped local development. Of significant interest to local historians are the military sites from the colonial era, including Fort Morrison (Site) and Fort Lucas (Site), marking the defensive history of the Massachusetts frontier. The rugged geography is characterized by numerous family-named peaks such as Aunt Sophies Peak and Chandler Hill, with several small burying grounds like Stark Cem and Grove Cem scattered throughout the highlands. The transition from industrial valley floors to the protected slopes of Catamount State Forest illustrates the varied landscape of the late 20th century.