In September of 2007, I took a trip to Kennebunkport, ME to attend the wedding of one of my best friends, Aaron. After the wedding, I took off for a Round-the-State tour of Massachusetts. I headed off first to visit the Industrial Revolution sites of Lowell National Historic Park.
The canals that powered 19th century Lowell
The looms that produced half the world's clothing
Then it was off to the west to see the Berkshires. My goal was to make it to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. But, unfortunately for me, they had the road to the top of the mountain closed for repairs. The best I could do is get this overview 3,490 foot summit.
So, I went into the nice little town of North Adams on its northern slopes. This cute town is the home to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts
The Cheshire Resevoir in the Berkshires. It is formed by the damming of the Hoosic River.
Then I turned east and followed I-90 to Springfield, MA.
Springfield, MA
Unfortunately, I did not have the time to visit the National Basketball Hall of Fame. I needed to keep going east if I was going to get in Providence, New Bedford, and Cape Cod before flying back to Italy.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
The Armory was one of the most important places for the development and storage of weapons from the American Revolution through the late 1800's. Inside they have a whole host of guns, including experimental models that never made it onto the battlefield.
Posts
1 comment:
Nice photos of the Springfield Armory!!
I visited there today and was just searching for photos.
This morning I learned that the Springfield Armory was founded by George Washington in 1777, and controversially closed during Vietnam in '68 (because Defense Sec. McNamara thought that there was "too much military" in New England.)
I know that you wrote that you didn't spend much time in Springfield, but if you visit again, I suggest checking it out for a full weekend. For example, I had no idea that the motorcycle, commercial radio station, gasoline-powered car, and modern fire engine were all invented in Springfield.
I'm headed to Lowell tomorrow... I recommend exploring Springfield to everyone. It's got a lot of San Francisco-style houses and history.
Post a Comment