History of the River

The City of North Adams was a thriving mill community during the 1800′s due in part to the industriousness of its residents, but also because it’s location at the junction of the North and South Branches of the Hoosic River. These fast-flowing waters provided power to drive the machinery in the cotton mills; it also served as a convenient way to get rid of waste from these mills. Sadly, even within the memory of current North Adams residents, the Hoosic River ran different colors, smelled awful, and carried toxic waste. Furthermore, in the early part of the 1900s, the River often overflowed its banks posing a  threat to city infrastructure and to its residents.

In response to the serious damage that occurred during these floods, the US Corps of Engineers in the 1950s constructed the flood control chutes starting at the Eclipse Mill on the North Branch and near Noel Field on the South Branch, which you can view here.

These flood chutes funnel the Hoosic River through North Adams’ downtown, merging at the west end of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. The chutes have done their job; the River is no longer a danger during heavy rains or Spring runoff. And, due to tighter environmental regulations from the Federal Government, the River presents no health threat to the City’s residents.