Description
Moore State Park, located in Paxton, Massachusetts, includes 737-acres and a whole lot of history!
The area was home to grist and saw mills throughout the 18th and early 20th centuries. A gristmill and a sawmill were the first mills built on the site in 1747. The site was chosen because power could be generated from the roughly 90-foot drop of Turkey Hill Brook over a span of 400 feet. A triphammer, quarry, schoolhouse, and tavern are visible remains of the mill village. The property became a private estate in the early twentieth century, and substantial portions of it were later included in the state park.
Since the area has become a state park, a few changes have occurred. In 1998, the park staff built the covered spillway bridge on the dam so visitors could enjoy walking around the pond. Additionally, as part of attempts to bring blight-resistant American chestnut trees back to the United States, park employees collaborated with the American Chestnut Foundation to establish a huge plantation of experimentally bred chestnut trees in 2003. Many of the public buildings, such as the sawmill, school house, and tavern have been restored.
Today, travelers flock to see the spectacular waterfalls and flower-filled cascades. The stone mill foundations, a rebuilt sawmill, and a network of forest walkways are among the other attractions. Canoeing. fishing, hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, and picnicking are all allowed. There are also events held throughout the year, such as interpretive programs and concerts.
In 2004, the Moore State Park Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which included a portion of the area. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is in charge of the park.
Historic Specs
- Opened: 1747
- Original function: Gristmill and sawmill
- Architect(s): Unknown
- Year added to NRHP: 2004
- NRHP number: 4000535
- Status: Public
- Admission cost: Free
Location
- Address: Mill St
- Town: Paxton
- State: Massachusetts
- GPS: Lat 42.31248 Lng -71.95884
- Parking notes: There is a small parking lot located just off Mill St which holds about 15 cars. The Old Sawmill is located a short walk from the parking lot.
- Parking directions: HERE
- Location directions: HERE
External Website:
Jeremy –
Golden autumn leaves showing at Moore State Park in Paxton, Massachusetts (snaps taken Sept 21). The paved hiking path is fully accessible, the waterfalls are now flowing strong again, and autumn colors should fully pop in the next two weeks. @goxplr
Alexi –
Moore state park this past weekend
Eric Belseth –
The old sawmill in Paxton, MA, at Moore State Park. Photo taken a couple weeks ago. Really love the log on the side surrounded by the downed foliage!