History of Rail Swamp“Where Does That Water Flow?” with Melinda Perrone

Monday, June 2nd, 2024 at 7 p.m.
At The Worden Theater at the Stevens Center, 800 Massachusetts Avenue, North Andover

Follow us on a journey to the western heights of North Andover, through long-hidden years of geologic upheaval, flourishing wildlife, human toil, and despair. Spurned by native Americans, this was a land of passage. Without pause or consideration travelers sought their way to Andover Theological Seminary, Lawrence, or Salem. It is a land that tested many.

Join us on long-lost ‘Old Town Road,’ into the depths of ‘Rail Swamp.’ Gaze at upland pastures toward Holt Hill and the heights of Essex County. Rail Swamp and its environs, bought and sold as a 96-acre parcel, tempted both academic & textile-titans but remained a land barely tamed.

Finally, join us from these heights seaward, as we map wandering brooks and view the many challenges to North Andover’s three beautiful watersheds: Ipswich River, Merrimack River, and Parker River.