HILLTOWN HISTORY The Russell train depot, now gone. The Western Railroad was originally built on the Turtle Bend Mountain side of the Westfield River, opposite of its present day location. The center of Russell was booming with the Russell Falls Paper Co., notice the Richmond charcoal kilns blasting black smoke! The decision was made to move the railroad to the opposite side after many train derailments on Turtle Bend, also the tracks crossed the Westfield River here! The old railbed is still visible and part of Unkamit’s Path hiking trail which winds its way around Turtle Bend. There was also a station in Woronoco! Photos courtesy of Russell Historical, The Gateway District and the George Ford Collection.

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