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The Taunton River is an integral part of the city’s landscape. It is something that we see every day yet know so little about.

The Taunton Heritage River Guide was prepared to increase the public’s appreciation of the Taunton River in Fall River. It is meant to be a guide for those who wish to explore the river and its shoreline and as a curriculum resource for local schools. It has been written to be accessible to students in the elementary grades, to Durfee High School students taking the elective course on the history of Fall River or who are studying local environmental issues, and to adults who wish to know more about the river and about local history.

This guide incorporates and integrates Fall River’s history with economics, ecology and geology, and it attempts to place local history within the context of the larger historical picture. The guide is unique in that its focus is around the Taunton River and its tributaries; it is remarkable that a major part of Fall River’s history can be told from the vantage point of its rivers and streams.

A summary of the guide, including a reference map, is included in Appendix A. Appendix B includes sources of maps and figures. For more detail on the historical use of the Taunton River, the reader is directed to the references and citations included in Appendix C. The limited scope of this guide did not allow more than an historical overview; however, it is hoped that the guide explores these issues sufficiently to interest readers in learning more about the topics covered here. Green Futures hopes that the interest generated by the guide will result in citizen action in protecting the natural resources of the Taunton River and the scenic beauty and historic resources of its shoreline.

Special thanks are due to Everett Castro, who wrote the commentary, who provided advice and information on many topics and who edited the guide, and to Nanci Lown and Tom Athearn, who provided valuable assistance and historical information that was used as source material.

This guide was funded by a grant from the Taunton Heritage River Grant Program, a special initiative sponsored by Senator Marc Pacheco and funded through the Massachusetts Riverways Program. Thanks are also due to Maryjoan Bull of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District for her kindness and patience as program monitor. Thanks also to Joan Kimball of the Riverways Program for her encouragement and support.

Green Futures hopes that you find the Taunton Heritage River Guide interesting and informative.

AJL