2002.032.3
For my next weekly update, I have decided to look at the Shawsheen River that travels through the middle of Andover. Shawsheen River runs for about 25 miles northward through not only Andover, but Tewksbury, Lawrence, Billerica, and Bedford. It meets up with the Merrimack River in Lawrence. Th Shawsheen river is blocked by dams in Andover at Ballardvale and Stevens Street. It was formed when glacial ice melted and receded northward about 15, 500 years ago.
The Shawsheen River played a huge part in Andover’s financial success during the 1800s as water power was needed before electric power was used. In 1692, the river was thought of as the meeting place for witches. Today, the river has several trails and parks located along it. The Shawsheen River played a huge part in the development of Andover and led to the growth of industry in the town.
Tags: Photo of the Week, Shawsheen River