Upton State Forest: A History

There are 2660 acres of Upton State Forest scattered throughout Upton and extending into the towns of Grafton, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Mendon, Northbridge and Westborough. The largest contiguous parcel, headquarters area and parking lot for the major trails are located near the intersection of Westborough and Southborough Roads in Upton. For the purposes of this web site the focus will be on this area of Upton State Forest.

Several distinct periods define the history of the lands that comprise Upton State Forest. This site will give you a brief overview.

Click on one of the following FUSF periods for more information:

• Pre Colonial
• Early Settlers
• New State
• Early Roads
• Hopkington Springs
• Early Mills
• Stone Cutting
• District #7 School
• Logging
• Conservation Movement
• The Great Depression
• Civilian Conservation Corps at Upton State Forest
• Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Friends of Upton State Forest History

The Friends of Upton State Forest have created two informative brochures

about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Upton and their activites

at Upton State Forest. Click on the links to download the brochures (PDF).

The CCC in Upton

 

The CCC and Upton State Forest

For more information you may contact the following organizations:

Friends of Upton State Forest
PO Box 258
Upton, MA 01568-0258
fusf@charter.net

Upton Historical Society
PO Box 171
Upton, MA 01568-0171
508-529-6600

Upton Historical Commission
PO Box 222
Upton, MA 01568
508-529-1019

Massachusetts Civilian Conservation Corps Archives
Mount Greylock State Reservation
PO Box 138
Lanesboro, MA
413-499-4262
MountGreylock@state.ma.us

Northeast Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
At Shenipsit State Forest
166 Chestnut Hill Road, Rte. 190
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
860-684-3430 or 684-3013
NESCCCMuseum@aol.com