Dana, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dana, Massachusetts
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Site of Dana Common
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Settled | 1676 |
| Incorporated | February 18, 1801 |
| Disincorporated | April 28, 1938 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | Eastern |
| Designated: | March 4, 2013 |
| Reference #: | 13000052 |
Imagine a town that disappeared! Dana was once a small town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA. It was 'lost' because a huge reservoir, called the Quabbin Reservoir, was built. This reservoir now provides drinking water for many people.
Contents
History of Dana
How Dana Became a Town
Dana became an official town in 1801. It was created from parts of three other towns: Petersham, Greenwich, and Hardwick. The town was named after Francis Dana, an important person from Massachusetts.
Why Dana Disappeared
But on April 28, 1938, Dana stopped being a town. This happened because the Quabbin Reservoir was being built. The reservoir needed a lot of land, and Dana was in the way. When Dana was 'disincorporated,' its land became part of Petersham again. Most of the old town's land is still above water today.
Visiting the Old Town Site
Like the nearby town of Prescott, Dana's buildings were either moved or torn down. But many old cellar holes, where houses once stood, can still be seen. Today, you can only visit the old town of Dana by walking. The old narrow road is blocked off to cars.
Remembering Dana
The center of the old town is still looked after by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. A special stone marker stands there. It says: "SITE OF DANA COMMON 1801-1938 To all those who sacrificed their homes and way of life (Erected by Dana Reunion, 1996)". This marker helps us remember the people who lost their homes. The common area and about 68 acres (27.5 hectares) around the old town center are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites.
Other Quabbin Towns
Dana was not the only town that disappeared because of the Quabbin Reservoir. Here are some other towns that were also lost:
Images for kids
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The stone marker mentioned above, remembering Dana.
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One of the many cellar holes remaining in the former town, showing where a house once stood.
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A marker showing that Dana Common is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Old fence posts near Dana Common, a reminder of past boundaries.
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A stone building foundation at Dana Common, showing the base of an old structure.
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The North Dana Fire Station on January 30, 1930, before the town was disincorporated.
