Skug River

In this article, we will explore the topic of Skug River and its impact on modern society. From its origins to its current evolution, Skug River has played a fundamental role in different aspects of daily life. Throughout history, Skug River has been the subject of debate and controversy, generating diverse opinions and opposing points of view. Through a deep and exhaustive analysis, we will examine the role of Skug River in various contexts, seeking to understand its influence on culture, politics, economics and other areas of contemporary life. From its historical importance to its future implications, Skug River has been and will continue to be a topic of interest and relevance in today's world.

Skug River
Skug River watershed and environs, 1893.
Location
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountiesEssex and Middlesex
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationHarold Parker State Forest
 • coordinates42°38′06″N 71°05′53″W / 42.635°N 71.098°W / 42.635; -71.098
Mouth 
 • location
Martin's Pond, North Reading, MA
 • coordinates
42°35′56″N 71°07′26″W / 42.5988°N 71.1238°W / 42.5988; -71.1238
Length4.9 mi (7.9 km)

The Skug River is a 4.9-mile-long (7.9 km) river[1] in North Andover, Andover, and North Reading, Massachusetts that constitutes part of the Ipswich River watershed. A popular etymology gives Skug as a misspelling of Skunk,[2] however the name is more likely derived from the Abenaki skog, meaning snake.[2][3]

The nearly-frozen Skug River in Andover

The river arises from wetlands just south of Boston Hill in the Harold Parker State Forest, and flows mainly southwest to empty into Martin's Pond in North Reading. From there, Martin's Brook carries its waters onwards to the Ipswich River.

The river was dammed over 200 years ago for a sawmill and grist mill. Although the dam has since disappeared, the large stone walls of its millrace can still be seen in the Harold Parker State Forest and Andover Village Improvement Society Skug River Reservation,[2] as can the old Jenkins Soapstone Quarry abutting the river.

References

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed April 1, 2011
  2. ^ a b c A.V.I.S. Skug River Reservation
  3. ^ Winter, Eugene (Fall 2010), "Skog River: The Meaning of a Landscape Name in Andover Massachusetts", Bulletin of the Massachusetts Archeological Society, 72