Manhan River

Manhan River, lower stretch

The Manhan River is a river (10.9 miles long) in central Massachusetts. It is a tributary of the Connecticut River.

The river begins as an outlet of the Tighe Carmody Reservoir, Southampton, and flows first southwest, then northeasterly through the middle of Easthampton, Massachusetts to its confluence with the Connecticut River at a westward curve called "The Oxbow." The river provides excellent views of nearby Mount Tom.

Europeans first settled the area in 1664 and later established saw mills on the river. In 1847 large mills began with the Williston-Knight Button Company; a number of other factories sprang up nearby in the next few years. Small lead mines also were established near the river. Of particular note is the Manhan River mine near Loudville, noted for its pyromorphite and wulfenite. A former railroad has been converted to the Manhan Rail Trail, which now provides a scenic pathway along the river.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency
• Easthampton, Massachusetts, history
• Easthampton Guide
• Manhan Rail Trail
• Loudville Pyromorphite

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