TheQuabbin Valley is a region ofMassachusetts in the United States. The region consists of theQuabbin Reservoir and accompanying river systems[which?] inFranklin,Hampden,Hampshire, andWorcester counties. The area is sometimes known as theSwift River Valley region, a reference to the Swift River, which was dammed to form the reservoir.
At its most restrictive, the Quabbin–Swift River Valley includes the towns immediately bordering the reservoir and lower length of the river. These towns includeBelchertown,Hardwick,New Salem,Pelham,Petersham,Shutesbury,Palmer, andWare.[citation needed]
The name Quabbin has also been adopted by regional partnerships bordering the reservoir but not including the entire valley. For example, the Central Quabbin Area Tourism Association consists[citation needed] of Petersham and Hardwick on the reservoir's eastern side, as well asBarre,Hubbardston,New Braintree,North Brookfield,Oakham, andRutland, further east. The North Quabbin Community Coalition includes[citation needed] Petersham and New Salem bordering the reservoir, and the adjoining towns ofAthol,Orange,Erving,Phillipston,Royalston,Warwick andWendell. The north Quabbin Chamber of Commerce includes 11 towns:Athol,Barre,Erving,Hardwick,New Salem,Orange,Petersham,Phillipston,Royalston,Warwick andWendell[1]
Upon the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir, four towns in the valley were officiallydisincorporated, their area absorbed by surrounding municipalities. These towns areDana,Enfield,Greenwich, andPrescott.
Many people living in those townsfought unsuccessfully to prevent construction of the reservoir, arguing that it was unfair to move the Swift River Valley inhabitants to provide drinking water for Boston residents, and the movement has become a part ofWestern Massachusetts folklore.
42°20′N72°19′W / 42.34°N 72.32°W /42.34; -72.32
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