Mashapaug Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mashapaug Pond |
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 Mashapaug Pond
Location in Rhode Island
Mashapaug Pond
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rhode Island, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°47′40″N 71°26′01″W / 41.79444°N 71.43361°W |
| Surface area | 114 acres (46 ha) |
| Settlements | Providence |
Mashapaug Pond is the biggest freshwater pond in Providence, Rhode Island. For hundreds of years, this pond has been an important place. Native American people lived here long before Europeans arrived. Later, factories were built nearby, which caused pollution.
Today, Mashapaug Pond faces environmental challenges. Groups are working to clean it up and teach people about its history.
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Pond Location
Mashapaug Pond is in Southwest Providence, Rhode Island. It is part of the Pawtuxet River Watershed. Smaller ponds like Tongue Pond and Spectacle Pond flow into Mashapaug Pond. From there, the water goes into Roger Williams Park Pond. Eventually, it reaches the Narragansett Bay.
Pond History
Early People and European Settlers
The first people to live near Mashapaug Pond were the Narragansett Indians. They had a village, probably on the northwest side of the pond. In 1636, Roger Williams and other early settlers came to Rhode Island. They met the Narragansett Indians, who helped them through the winter. Roger Williams then made a deal with the Narragansett leaders. He traded English goods for the land that became Providence.
After a conflict called King Philip's War, many Narragansett people were forced to leave. However, a small group stayed near Mashapaug Pond. This community later became the West Elmwood neighborhood.
Gorham Silver Company's Impact
Providence was a major center during the American Industrial Revolution. In 1890, the Gorham Silver Manufacturing Company built a large factory here. Gorham was famous for making silverware. Later, they also made products for wars.
Over many years, Gorham and other factories released harmful materials. These materials, like heavy metals and chemicals, polluted the pond's soil and water. This pollution made Mashapaug Pond very toxic.
West Elmwood Neighborhood
The West Elmwood neighborhood was located right by Mashapaug Pond. It was one of the first neighborhoods in America where people of different races lived together. About 500 families called West Elmwood home. Residents remember it as a close-knit community. People looked out for each other's kids. They also enjoyed beautiful views of the pond and many fruit trees.
Changes to the Neighborhood
In the 1960s, "urban renewal" projects changed many old neighborhoods. These projects aimed to build new highways and industrial areas. In 1961, the Huntington Industrial Park was built. It was placed right where the West Elmwood neighborhood used to be. This changed the area around Mashapaug Pond.
Urban Pond Procession
The Urban Pond Procession, now called UPP Arts, started in 2008. It is a group that uses art to help the environment. They work with artists and communities. Their goal is to celebrate and protect local natural areas. They especially focus on places like Mashapaug Pond.
In 2014, UPP Arts worked with the Providence Planning Department. They planted fruit trees in a park in the former West Elmwood area. This project helped remember the history of the lively neighborhood.
Environmental Concerns
Mashapaug Pond has a long history of pollution. Most of the pond's problems come from industrial activities. Factories near the pond released many harmful substances. Earlier activities, like farming and ice harvesting, also had some impact. The building of Route 10 and the Huntington Industrial Park also contributed.
The Gorham Manufacturing Company is a big reason for the pollution. For many years, there were few rules about using toxic materials. Gorham used cleaners with chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals like lead. These harmful substances seeped into the pond's soil and water.
Cleaning Up the Pond
In the 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started setting rules. They wanted to stop industrial dumping. They also made companies clean up polluted areas. In 1972, the Clean Water Act was passed. This law set water quality standards. It also made it illegal to dump industrial waste directly into waterways.
After these laws, Textron, the company that bought Gorham, helped fund cleanup efforts. They worked with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Their goal was to make Mashapaug Pond safer for people.
In the early 2000s, there was a plan to build a new high school. It was going to be on the old Gorham factory site. At first, people in the community were worried. The area was still very toxic. But Textron cleaned up the land. The school also promised to have a special air filter system. Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School opened there in 2006.
Since the school opened, students have helped with environmental projects. They work with UPP Arts. Their art and science projects teach the community about Mashapaug Pond's history and its environment.
