Cochichewick River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cochichewick River |
|
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Cochichewick Brook |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| City | North Andover |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 42°41′23″N 071°06′23″W / 42.68972°N 71.10639°W |
| River mouth | 42°42′30″N 071°08′03″W / 42.70833°N 71.13417°W |
| Length | 1.6 mi (2.6 km) |
The Cochichewick River, also known as Cochichewick Brook, is a small river in North Andover, Massachusetts. It is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long. This river flows from Lake Cochichewick and empties into the larger Merrimack River.
Contents
A Look Back: The River's History
The first time Europeans wrote about the Cochichewick River was in 1634. They decided that the land around "Cochichowicke" would be a special place for a new settlement. People who moved there would not have to pay taxes for three years. This was to encourage them to build a new town.
Land Sale and Agreements
Later, in 1646, an important event happened. Cutshamache, who was a leader (called a Sagamore) of the Massachusetts Native Americans, sold land near the river. He sold it to Mr. John Woodbridge for the people who lived in Cochichewick, which is now called Andover.
The agreement included a special rule. A Native American named Roger and his group could still catch alewives (a type of fish) in the Cochichewick River for their food. However, if they damaged or stole any corn or other fruit from the settlers, they would lose the right to fish. Roger also got to keep four acres of land where he already grew crops.
Early Settlements and Mills
The first settlements in Andover (now North Andover) were built near Cochichewick Brook. People liked it because it had a "fair springe of sweet water." By 1835, North Andover had two main areas with textile mills along the river. These were called Sutton Mills and Stevens Mills.
Power from the River
During the 1700s and 1800s, people built milldams along the brook. These dams helped to power mills that cut lumber and ground grain (called gristmills). One of these dams created Stevens Pond. The area known as Weir Hill is now a nature reservation. It used to be the country estate of the Stevens family, located above Lake Cochichewick and Stevens Pond.
