Explore project lands within Barre Falls Dam, and you will see history come alive.

The Ware River Watershed has a shared history with the Quabbin Reservoir in building the largest manmade water supply in Massachusetts. To enhance and preserve the quality of Quabbin's drinking water, people in this area lost homes and property when the reservoir was made.

The remains of a massive stone-lined dam, associated mill foundations, and tailraces - good examples of a water-powered system - are located on the banks of the Ware River just downstream of the outlet channel. You can visit a mid to late 19th century cemetery that is maintained by the Town of Barre. At the southern end of the project are foundation remains from the former Village of Coldbrook Springs. Archeologists have identfied these sites as an old tavern, a fulling mill site, a sawmill, and old houses, farms, and outbuildings.

Old foundations and well sites exist throughout Barre Falls Dam and adjacent lands. These structures give us a glimpse of community life here in the 1800s and early 1900s.

It is our job to preserve these sites for furture generations. Please help us preserve the historic culture of the area. Do not walk on or disturb the site and leave remains as they area. We, the staff at Barre Falls Dam, thank you for your cooperation.