Skug River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skug River |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Skug River watershed and environs, 1893.
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Counties | Essex and Middlesex |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Harold Parker State Forest 42°38′06″N 71°05′53″W / 42.635°N 71.098°W |
| River mouth | Martin's Pond, North Reading, MA 42°35′56″N 71°07′26″W / 42.5988°N 71.1238°W |
| Length | 4.9 mi (7.9 km) |
The Skug River is a small river, about 4.9-mile-long (7.9 km), located in Massachusetts. It flows through the towns of North Andover, Andover, and North Reading, Massachusetts. This river is an important part of the larger Ipswich River watershed.
People think the name "Skug" might come from a Native American word meaning "Snake." Another idea is that it's a mistake in spelling, and it was meant to be "Skunk River."
Contents
Where Does the Skug River Flow?
The Skug River begins in wet areas just south of Boston Hill. This spot is inside the Harold Parker State Forest. From there, the river mostly flows towards the southwest.
Journey to Martin's Pond
The river's journey ends when it flows into Martin's Pond. This pond is located in the town of North Reading. After reaching Martin's Pond, the water continues its path.
Connecting to the Ipswich River
From Martin's Pond, the water from the Skug River flows into Martin's Brook. This brook then carries the water further along. Eventually, it joins the Ipswich River, which is a much larger river.
History of the Skug River
The Skug River has a long history, especially concerning how people used its water. More than 200 years ago, a dam was built on the river. This dam helped power local businesses.
Old Mills and Quarries
The dam was used to run a sawmill and a grist mill. A sawmill cuts wood, and a grist mill grinds grain into flour. Even though the dam is gone now, you can still see parts of its past.
You can find the large stone walls of the old millrace. A millrace is a channel that directs water to a mill wheel. These old walls are visible in the Harold Parker State Forest. You can also see them in the Andover Village Improvement Society Skug River Reservation. Close to the river, you might also spot the old Jenkins Soapstone Quarry.
Images for kids
-
The nearly-frozen Skug River in Andover
