The First Government Road thru Chester according to “History of Massachusetts” and “New England Turnpikes” ran across Chester Hill, perpendicular to the present day Skyline Trail. Using lidar imaging, we found this mid 1700’s road going down the hill. Chester’s first settlement was here on the hill, not in the village. Running roughly adjacent to Zenas Searle’s homestead the old stone laid bridge is long gone. According to Knurow, Zenas was dragged by his oxen to his death. The old home still stands and is occupied along Skyline Trail and is listed on the Massachusetts Historical Register.

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