Great Barrington….Will East Rock Fall?
At various times in the town’s history the possibility of the fall of East Rock has been discussed. Nothing much has been heard about it of late years and the fact that the rock has been in its present position as far back as the memory of the oldest inhabitant goes, leads to a doubt that anything short of an earthquake will move it. Yet there was not always this feeling of security, as this item from the Courier of September 15, 1875, Indicates:
“Some gentlemen who have recently visited East Rock, the huge boulder upon the crest of the mountain just across the river from this village, express the opinion that the rock, which rests upon a sloping foundation and overhangs about two-fifths of its immense weight, must ultimately tumble off by the action of time and the elements and come crashing down into the vallev carrying destruction in its path. The opinion is also expressed that it is better the rock should come down now, than to wait until more dwellings shall be built in its probable path, and thus adding still greater ruin and possible death to its fearful plunge. East Rock stands some 600 or 700 feet above the valley and probably weighs from 25 to 50 tons. If it is in danger of falling, somebody should give attention to the matter.”

Support us at –> https://hilltownhikers.square.site/
Western Mass Hilltown Hikers @topfans Visit Massachusetts
#hikethehilltownhistory Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts  Explore Western Mass Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation #hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers  #discoverthehilltowns  #hilltownhistory  #intheberkshires #adventure #history #hiking #outdooradventures #visittheberkshires #mylocalMA #visitma #hilltownhikers #westernmass #hikingwithdogs
Visit our blog for all of our adventures! want to come along on these hikes? Become a member at www.hilltownhikers.com
Help conserve the Chester Granite Saw, our newest property!
You can mail your tax-deductible donation to Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, PO Box 3, Chester, MA  01011
Venmo @hilltownhikers
Stay informed – join our mailing list
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5O0RYN5/hilltownhikeremail