Manhan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manhan River |
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Manhan River, lower stretch
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampshire |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 42°19′03″N 72°49′18″W / 42.3176°N 72.8216°W |
| River mouth | Connecticut River, near Easthampton, MA 42°17′02″N 72°37′46″W / 42.2840°N 72.6295°W |
| Length | 27.6 mi (44.4 km) |
The Manhan River is a 27.6-mile-long (44.4 km) river in western Massachusetts. It's like a long, winding path of water that eventually joins a much bigger river, the Connecticut River.
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Discover the Manhan River
The Manhan River is a cool natural feature in western Massachusetts. It stretches for about 27.6 miles (44.4 kilometers). This river is an important part of the local environment. It also has a lot of history connected to it.
Where Does the Manhan River Flow?
The Manhan River starts its journey near the towns of Huntington and Westhampton, Massachusetts. From there, it flows southeast. The river passes through two reservoirs, which are like big lakes built to store water. These are White Reservoir and Tighe Carmody Reservoir in Southampton.
After the reservoirs, the river keeps flowing southeast. Then, it makes a turn and heads northeast. It goes right through the middle of Easthampton. Finally, the Manhan River meets the mighty Connecticut River. This meeting point is at a special bend in the Connecticut River called The Oxbow. Along its path, the Manhan River offers amazing views of Mount Tom.
A Look Back in Time: History of the Manhan River
People first settled in the area around the Manhan River way back in 1664. Early settlers used the river's power. They built sawmills along its banks. These mills helped them cut wood for building homes and other structures.
Mills and Mines
Later, in 1847, bigger factories started to appear. One of the first was the Williston-Knight Button Company. Many other factories soon followed. They used the river for power and transportation. Small lead mines also opened near the river. These mines were important for getting valuable minerals.
One famous mine was the Manhan River mine near Loudville. It was known for its unique and colorful minerals. These included pyromorphite and wulfenite. These minerals are quite special to find!
The Manhan Rail Trail
Today, you can enjoy the Manhan River in a different way. An old railroad line that once ran along the river has been turned into a beautiful path. It's called the Manhan Rail Trail. This trail is a great place for walking, biking, and enjoying nature. It offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding area.
