Shunpike Marker - Mohawk Trail - Charlemont, MA
Posted by: 
neoc1
N 42° 38.117 W 072° 54.279
18T E 671798 N 4722443
A marker on the Mohawk Trail dedicated to "thrifty travelers" who forded the Deerfield River to avoid a toll bridge on this trail.
Waymark Code: WMF894
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 09/09/2012
Views: 7
The Mohawk Trail follows the Deerfield River through the hills of western Massachusetts. It was created by the native Mohawk Indians then used later by English settlers moving west through Massachusetts. Thrifty travellers avoided a toll bridge by walking across the Deerfield River. As a result of their actions travel was made free on all Massachusetts roads.
An historical marker on the south side of the Mohawk Trail, Route 2, in Charlemont just east of the Deerfield River bridge, pays tribute to these pioneers. The sign has a picture of a stage coach and is inscribed:
SHUNPIKE
To the Thrifty Travelers of the
Mohawk Trail who in 1797 here
forded the Deerfield River rather
than pay toll at the Turnpike Bridge
and who in 1810 won the battle for
free travel on all Massachusetts
Roads.
Mohawk and Taconic Trail
Association 1957
Today the Mohawk Trail is part of Massachusetts Route 2. It follows much of the original Indian trail for 65 miles from Orange to Williamstown, MA.