American coastal town torn apart as emotions overflow in 400-year dispute over historic landmark
A 400-year-old dam in Ipswich, Massachusetts is causing a stir in a small town with a long history.
Stay updated with breaking news from Ipswich River. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
A 400-year-old dam in Ipswich, Massachusetts is causing a stir in a small town with a long history.
To the editor: At The Trustees, our mission is to protect places of historic, scenic, and ecological significance, including the Crane Estate and Appleton Farms in Ipswich. I am writing
A decade of debate in Ipswich comes to a head May 21, when the town votes on whether to remove Ipswich Mills Dam. On one side, removal-advocates hope to restore rare wetlands and provide a cushion against flooding. On the other, dam enthusiasts the tout the importance of the dam's history and recreation, arguing there are alternatives to full removal.
Since Colonial times, there has been a dam in the center of Ipswich, and behind it a pond that has become a beloved spot for swimming and paddling. A proposal to remove that dam and "free the river" has divided the town.
Arthur A. Francis