In 1883 the Boston and Albany Railroad survey made its way along the West Branch of the Westfield River and crossed Middlefield Road in Chester, once the first road west going into the wild wilderness we now hike as the Keystone Arches Trail.  This is the bridge right near Chester Elementary School.  The old road crossed over the tracks at “Otis Crossing” as most roads did, but in 1901 bridge 127.22 was built over the dangerous tracks as a result of so many getting killed by trains. It’s fascinating to see how the roads we use today evolved since the first settlers made their way on horseback and cart.  The old Pontousuc Turnpike with its stonewalls can still be seen today  at this location.

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