The Creation of the Wachusett Reservoir

Ed Sterling

Ed Sterling from Bolton has had a lifelong interest in history, especially about trains and railroads. He grew up in Essex Junction Vermont, in the twilight of steam locomotive operations on the Central Vermont railway. His family has always had a large Lionel train layout in their homes, and he collects large Lionel Standard Gauge trains from the 1920s and 1930s. Ed has lived in Bolton for 35 years, and has volunteered on a number of town boards including being a Selectman and Parks Chairman. He has also been active in the Boy Scouts for 25 years.

Noticing the many abandoned and overgrown railroad tracks in this area, Ed set out to explore what trains ran on those tracks, and how did the railroads come to abandon rail service. He has studied the history of the Central Mass Railroad extensively, and the role it played building the Wachusett reservoir.

The Wachusett Dam

A decision made in the late 19th century had a major impact on the Nashua River Valley, the railroads of Central Mass, and the area towns that disappeared, along with mills, churches, cemeteries, and more than 500 buildings. Ed will explore the reasons for the dam project and show construction of the dam and reservoir, the relocation of the railroads, and the building of the famous tunnel and viaduct.

The project brought thousands of immigrants to the area for work, many of whose descendants live here today. Ed will incorporate the story of the immigrant and African American workers who created the dam and the horrible living conditions they faced.