From History of the Town of Fitchburg by Rufus Torey, 1865


The chapter on CIVIL HISTORY starting on page 22
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Before entering upon the civil history of the town, it may
be proper totake a glance at the situation and condition of
this part of the country, at the time when the white man
first placed his foot upon it, and sought an abiding place
and shelter in the then unknown wilderness.

What events transpired previous to this period, the
imperfect traditions of the natives do not inform us.  The
elements of nature were at work upon the soil, but its mould
was not disturbed by the arts of civilized life.  Trees
sprung forth, grew to a majestic height, and the fell to the
earth in the natural progress of decay.

The Nashua wound it devious course through the forest, the
stillness of which was not interrupted, save by the shout of
the savage, the cry of the beast of prey or the scream of
the wild bird of the wilderness.  The current of the strem
may have been choked by the trunks of trees, hurled by the
violence of the tempest into its bosom.  The mass of
accumulating water would then burst forth, perhaps seeking a
new channel in its onward course.  What changes have
heretofore taken place in the course of the Nashua, we know
not--running water is always wearing.

There is every appearance that the bed of the stream which
flows by Messrs.  Perkins & Baldwin's factory, once was
situated ten or twenty feet higher than at present, in the
ledge of rocks near their dam.  But the changes, which have
taken place on the surface of our township, are more fit
speculations for the geologist.  We cannot speak with
certainty of its appearance, till after it was visited by
the white man.

At this period we know that this section of the cuntry was
thinly peopled by several Indian tribes.  A few years
previous to the landing of our fathers at Plymouth, a deadly
pestilence raged amoung the aborigines and swept nine-tenths
of them to their graves.  The Indian popultion did not
average on inhabitant to each square mile.

(to be continued)
 

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