The 19th Century Canal hidden in the suburbs of Boston
Henry David Thoreau and his brother John spent an hour making their way along the Middlesex Canal in the year 1839. He wryly notes that he “did not wish to loiter there” but reasons that Nature would soon reassert herself. Nature has largely succeeded in this task. The forests and swamps have repatriated themselves in the remaining stretches which have not been built upon or paved under highways and roads.
Built over a 10 year span between 1793 and 1803, the canal builders hoped to spur the economy in allowing merchants, lumbermen and farmers to bypass the pitiful 19th century roads.
Short trails provide access to some of the many sections which remain. The ruins of two aqueducts are among the reminders of this remarkable structure. The Middlesex Canal Museum houses many artifacts and interprets it’s history. The full list of destinations appear below.