Perhaps the serpent’s spine is a fitting name. Here we are at the Shawsheen River at Hanscom Field. This waterway, a tributary of the Merrimack River, winds its way through northeast Massachusetts. It stretches for approximately 26.7 miles.
The Shawsheen River flows northward. It passes through Bedford, Billerica, Wilmington, and Tewksbury. It also runs through Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence. Finally it meets the Merrimack.
Like the Merrimack, the Shawsheen River played a vital role in local development. Many mills were built to harness the river’s power for industrial purposes. Artifacts of this rich history remain. The Shawsheen is gradually returning to its natural state.
The Shawsheen River Watershed encompasses about 78 square miles. This includes roughly 60 miles of named rivers and streams. The watershed covers parts of 12 Massachusetts municipalities.
From its headwaters at Hanscom Military Base the Shawsheen River loses 70 feet in elevation. It flows into the Merrimack River in Lawrence. Wetlands and open water cover about 4.5% of the watershed area. The watershed supports approximately 250,000 people.
According to legend the name “Shawsheen” comes from a Native American word. It means “serpent” or “serpentine.” This refers to the river’s meandering nature. The General Court of Massachusetts named the river “Shawshin” in May 1644.
Matthew Craddock sought land near “Shawe Shynn” in 1636. He wrote to Governor John Winthrop. Craddock wanted two thousand acres there.
The Shawsheen River at Hanscom Field East Ramp is in Middlesex County. Its coordinates are readily available. The U.S. Geological Survey monitors the river.
The Shawsheen River’s history extends far beyond industry. Andover’s 17th-century settlers moved to the riverbanks. They sought to power grist, saw, and fulling mills. South Parish became the more populated part of the colonial town. Textile mills thrived along the river. These mills were in Ballardvale, Abbot Village, Marland Village, and Frye Village. The Shawsheen River became Andover’s economic spine. It was the source of much of the town’s wealth.
Late in the 19th century the Shawsheen became a recreational spot. Families built camps near Foster’s Pond. The Boston and Maine Railroad brought people to Shawsheen Grove. This grove had picnic grounds and a dance hall.
The Andover Canoe Club was formed. Its members were passionate about paddling on the Shawsheen River. The club had one canoe and two rowboats in the beginning. By 1916, the fleet grew to 50 canoes and six power boats. A canal was dug to connect the river to Pomps Pond.
A motor yacht called The William Ballard offered excursions. The five-mile round-trip ride cost .25 cents. The boat was designed to navigate shallow waters. It allowed passengers to see wildlife.
After World War II, canoe club membership declined. Dams and water loss affected the river. Cars replaced canoes. Today renewed interest exists in river recreation. The Shawsheen River at Hanscom Field stands as a testament to time. It tells of industry, recreation, and nature’s enduring flow.