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All the United States Massachusetts Clinton Wachusett Dam and Reservoir
AO Edited

Wachusett Dam and Reservoir

Once the largest gravity dam in the world.

Clinton, Massachusetts

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Josh Woolstenhulme
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Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
October 18, 2024   SMGKatz / Atlas Obscura User
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Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
October 18, 2024   SMGKatz / Atlas Obscura User
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir   TheDiscoveryService / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Wachusett Reservoir is the second largest body of water within Massachusetts. It has a capacity of around 65 billion gallons with an area of almost seven square miles, and a maximum depth of 120 feet.

In the 1890s, the Boston Metropolitan Area was rapidly expanded and it became evident more freshwater was needed. In 1897, construction on the dam began to impound the Nashua River and it was completed in 1906. At the time, it was the largest gravity dam in the world and still claims to be the largest hand-dug dam in the world. 

The Wachusett Dam and reservoir are definitely a sight to see. From the top of the dam, visitors have a great view of the Nashua River and valley below. There are also various walking paths and spots to picnic. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a visitor, a trip to the dam and reservoir is an excellent way to spend the day.

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Engineering Water Waterworks Dams

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Another Atlas Obscura location, the Clinton Tunnel is extremely close by and accessible from this location. Definitely worth checking out if you're interested.

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TheDiscoveryService

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Osage, missingfilm, skool46547, Kirbyrules...

  • Osage
  • missingfilm
  • skool46547
  • Kirbyrules
  • SMGKatz

Published

November 2, 2021

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  • https://www.mwra.com/04water/html/hist4.htm
Wachusett Dam and Reservoir
282 MA-62
Clinton, Massachusetts, 01510
United States
42.4026, -71.687096
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Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Clinton

Clinton

Massachusetts

Places 4

Nearby Places

Clinton Tunnel

Clinton, Massachusetts

miles away

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miles away

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

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Clinton

Massachusetts

Places 4

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