History

The Deerfield Hydroelectric power plants are host to a very rich history dating back to 1904 when the Gardeners Falls dam was constructed. The majority of the dams on the river were constructed between 1913 and 1926 with the addition of Station No. 5 and Bear Swamp in 1974.   

• Environmental policy: Water diversions and unregulated release schedules once left 12 of the 66 river miles of the Deerfield dried up. This was devastating to the flora and fauna which resided in and around the river. The Hydropower Reform Coalition which regulated these dams put new environment policies into place in 1997 with the renewal of all the dams licenses. These policies ensured that there was a minimum flow in the river at all times. Not only did this revert years of damage to the ecosystem but it also allowed the river to be commercially stocked with fish for recreation purposes which draws more attention to the upkeep of the river. 

​

• Hoosac tunnel:  The Hoosac Tunnel began construction in 1851 and finished in 1875. The Tunnel is 4.75-mile in length and was built as part of the railroad infrastructure. Importantly, it was primarily excavated by hand using nitroglycerin and blasting caps. It was the first large scale use of the technology in the US and led to many technological advancements. The use of nitroglycerin led to its use many years later when the mountain which bear swamp sits on was being hallowed out. The local familiarity with the explosive and the research and testing that had been conducted on it as a result of the Hoosac tunnel's construction allowed the Bear Swamp to be constructed.