West Hill Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Hill Dam Reserve, US Army Corps of Engineers |
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West Hill Dam during a flood in October, 2005
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 West Hill Dam Reserve, US Army Corps of Engineers
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Elevation | 450 ft (140 m) |
| Governing body | US Army Corps of Engineers |
| Website | http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/whd/whdhome.htm US |
The West Hill Dam Reserve is a special place in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. It is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This area helps control floods and offers a fun park for visitors. It also protects wildlife. The dam itself was finished in 1960.
The dam sits on the West River. This river is one of the branches of the Blackstone River. The Blackstone River flows from Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island. The West River starts in Grafton, Massachusetts. What's cool about this dam is that it usually isn't full of water unless there's a big flood!
Contents
Why the Dam Was Built
The West Hill Dam was built because of really bad floods. These floods happened during the 1950s. The dam's main job is to protect the Blackstone Valley from future destructive floods.
Protecting Downriver Towns
Many cities and towns downriver from Uxbridge suffered a lot. They had extensive flooding from the Blackstone River. This happened during Hurricane Diane in 1955. Towns like Millville, Blackstone, and Woonsocket were greatly affected.
The new dam was tested soon after it was built. Hurricane Donna passed over the area in 1960. The dam helped protect the valley from that storm.
Fun Things to Do at West Hill Dam
The West Hill Dam is located in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. It is also near the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park. This means there are many ways to enjoy nature here.
Activities for Visitors
Park rangers are often available to help visitors. They also offer special programs to teach people about the area. You can go fishing, hunting, or watch wildlife all year round.
The park has a recreation area with lots of space. There are 34 picnic sites, perfect for a family lunch. Kids can enjoy the playground. There is also a swimming area to cool off in summer. You can explore the area on five miles of hiking trails.
Important Access Note
As of 2021, getting to the park from West Hill Road is blocked. This is due to disagreements with landowners.
Charles River Connection
The West Hill Dam office also manages the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area. This area includes many wetlands. These wetlands are found in the upper and middle parts of the Charles River watershed. The Charles River is a famous river that flows into Boston Harbor.
The wetlands help store floodwater. They also provide homes for fish and wildlife. Plus, they offer more places for people to enjoy nature.
Where is West Hill Dam?
West Hill is the westernmost hill in Mendon. Most of its western side is in Uxbridge. This is where the dam is located.
Nearby Towns and Features
The town of Northbridge is just north of the dam site. It includes some of the water held back by the dam. West Hill and the dam are in the northeastern part of Uxbridge. The very top of West Hill is actually in Mendon.
The federal reserve covers 567 acres. This land spreads across the towns of Uxbridge, Northbridge, and Upton. A "New England town" is a special type of local government. It is different from other areas in the United States.
History of the Area
The West Hill area has a rich history. It was once home to one of fourteen Praying Indian Villages. These villages were set up by the missionary John Eliot around 1650.
Industrial Revolution Beginnings
Early water-powered mills were built in this region. Some were downstream on the West River and the Blackstone River. These mills helped start America's Industrial Revolution in this river valley.
The Blackstone Valley is a New England upland region. Its elevation ranges from about 200 feet to over 600 feet above sea level. The West Hill Dam is about 34 miles west-southwest of Boston. It is also about 15 miles southeast of Worcester.
