Swift River (Ware River tributary) facts for kids
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The Swift River is a river located in Massachusetts, a state in the United States. It has three main parts: an east branch, a west branch, and a middle branch. The river eventually flows into the Ware River.
A big part of the Swift River was changed a long time ago. It was dammed up to create a very large lake called the Quabbin Reservoir. This reservoir is super important because it provides drinking water for the city of Boston and many other towns in eastern Massachusetts.
Contents
Where the Swift River Flows
The Swift River starts in different places and then its branches join together. It flows through beautiful natural areas. One such place is the Swift River Reservation. This is a special area where people can visit and enjoy nature along the east branch of the river.
The Story of the Quabbin Reservoir
Building the Quabbin Reservoir was a huge project. To create such a big water supply, several towns that were in the Swift River Valley had to be moved or covered by water. This meant that homes, schools, and churches were either taken down or submerged when the reservoir was filled up. It was a big change for the people who lived there.
A Book About the Valley
The story of the Swift River Valley and the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir is so interesting that it inspired a book! It's called Letting Swift River Go. This picture book was written by Jane Yolen and has beautiful watercolor pictures by Barbara Cooney. The book helps explain what happened when the valley was flooded to make the reservoir.
Images for kids
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A train crossing a trestle bridge over the Swift River in 1910.
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The entrance to the Swift River Reservation.
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Buildings that used to belong to the Swift River Academy.
