MESSAGE FROM THE FOLLOW
THE FALLS PROJECT TEAM
Follow the Falls represents a joint effort by Essex Historical Society and the Essex Land Trust
to tell the remarkable story of the Falls River which binds together the three historic villages
of Ivoryton, Centerbrook and Essex to form what we know today as the Town of Essex.
Besides its historic significance, the Falls River is home to a rich natural history, kept alive by
the four Essex Land Trust preserves located along its winding shores.
The story begins at the peaceful waters of Falls River Cove located at the mouth of the river.
On the southern shore of the cove sits the Land Trust’s Osage Trails Preserve. Visitors to
Osage Trails today will see a beautiful cove enclosed by forested shorelines and rich with
wildlife. Few people know however that this tranquil refuge was once a bustling industrial
area that contained a major historic shipyard.
This first installment of Follow the Falls explores the area’s natural history, Native American
and European settlements, the harnessing of the river’s water power and the industrial
development of Falls River Cove. Future installments of the Falls River story will trace the
significant development upstream along the river in both the villages of Centerbrook and
Ivoryton. The stories of the workers, their families and the communities that sprung up
alongside the river form the historic narrative of the Town of Essex.
Essex Historical Society and the Essex Land Trust share a vision to educate the community,
not only on our town’s history but also on the importance of preserving and caring for the
town’s natural environment. In promoting the Follow the Falls project, both organizations
hope that the community will continue to value our rich history and the open spaces that are
an integral part of our daily lives.
Team Members:
Fred Szufnarowski, Project Leader
Sherry Clark • Jim Denham • Melissa Josefiak • Hank McInerney
Jim Powers • Theresa Sistare
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