Tekoa Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tekoa Mountain |
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South face of Tekoa Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,121 ft (342 m) |
| Parent peak | 42° 10' 07"N, 72° 48' 47"W |
| Naming | |
| English translation | "Trumpet blast" or "place of fastening down" |
| Language of name | Hebrew |
| Geography | |
| Location | Montgomery and Russell, Massachusetts |
| Parent range | Berkshires |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Metamorphic rock |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | White dot trail starting near the tracks by the Mass Pike bridge. |
Tekoa Mountain is a striking, rocky peak that stands 1,121 feet (342 meters) tall. It overlooks the Westfield River Gorge in western Massachusetts, USA. This mountain is located in the towns of Montgomery and Russell, Massachusetts.
Tekoa Mountain is very noticeable from U.S. Route 20 in Russell. It's not a true mountain but a "cleaver," which is a ridge sticking out from a flat area. It was shaped by glaciers and the constant flow of the Westfield River and Moose Meadow Brook over many years.
Along with nearby Shatterack Mountain, Tekoa Mountain forms a 700-foot (210-meter) high cliff face. This cliff is part of the gorge wall along the northeast side of the Westfield River. The river flows from the Berkshire Mountains into the Connecticut River Valley. Much of Tekoa Mountain's face is bare rock or has only a few trees. Frequent fires have helped fire-resistant trees like pitch pine and scrub oak grow here. The mountain is also home to the New England cottontail, a rabbit species that is becoming rare in Massachusetts. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service sees Tekoa Mountain as a "high priority" area for conservation.
Where is Tekoa Mountain Located?
Tekoa Mountain looks over the Westfield River Gorge and the Connecticut River Valley. The town of Russell, including its villages Woronoco and Crescent Mills, sits at the base of the mountain by the Westfield River. From the top of Tekoa Mountain, you can see the cities of Westfield and Springfield, Massachusetts to the east.
The southwest and northeast sides of Tekoa Mountain are very steep and rugged. They have many cliffs and rocky viewpoints. To the north, the land slowly becomes flatter as Tekoa Mountain joins the higher land of Montgomery. Water from the southwest side of Tekoa Mountain flows into the Westfield River. From there, it goes into the Connecticut River and then into Long Island Sound. Water from the northeast side flows into Moose Meadow Brook, which also leads to the Westfield River.
What is the History of Tekoa Mountain?
The area around Tekoa Mountain was first home to Native Americans from the Woronoake tribe. During the American Revolutionary War, the flat, northern part of the mountain was the site of a secret factory. This factory made muskets for the American Revolution. It was run by an early settler named Richard Falley Jr.. You might still find pieces of waste metal from the factory in that area. Falley's home was located at the base of Tekoa Mountain. The top of the mountain was used as a lookout point to watch for spies from Britain.
Tekoa Mountain was named after a biblical fortress and settlement called Tekoa. This name means "fastening down" or "a trumpet blast." In the Bible, Tekoa was built as a city to defend the ancient kingdom of Judah. Its high location gave it a good military advantage. It was also a great spot to send signals to Jerusalem and other friendly cities. We don't know for sure if the mountain was named with this history in mind.
What Can You Do for Fun at Tekoa Mountain?
Much of Tekoa Mountain is part of the Tekoa Mountain Wildlife Management Area. This area is managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The eastern part of the mountain belongs to the City of Westfield as part of its watershed lands. However, the public can access these areas thanks to a special agreement with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
These areas are open for activities like hunting, hiking, and other outdoor fun that doesn't involve motorized vehicles. There are a few small pieces of land within the area that are privately owned. Tekoa Mountain has several unofficial trails and old logging roads. However, there are no official, marked trails. All motorized vehicles, including ATVs, are not allowed in the Wildlife Management Area or on the watershed lands. The mountain and the surrounding high ground are part of a larger effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Their goal is to protect important habitats along the wider Connecticut River Valley.
