The Ashuelot River is a tributary of the Connecticut River, approximately 64 miles (103 km) long, in southwestern New Hampshire in the United States. It drains a mountainous area of 425 square miles (1,101 km2), including much of the area known as the Monadnock Region. It is the longest tributary of the Connecticut River within New Hampshire.[1]
Ashuelot River | |
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![]() View of the Ashuelot River, West Swanzey, New Hampshire. 1915 postcard | |
Location | |
Country | United States |
State | New Hampshire |
Counties | Sullivan, Cheshire |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | Butterfield Pond |
• location | Washington |
• coordinates | 43.2265°N 72.1193°W / 43.2265; -72.1193 |
• elevation | 1,594 feet (486 m) |
Mouth | Connecticut River |
• location | Hinsdale |
• coordinates | 42.7723°N 72.4875°W / 42.7723; -72.4875 |
• elevation | 187 feet (57 m) |
Length | 64 mi (103 km) |
Basin features | |
Tributaries | |
• left | The Branch South Branch Ashuelot River Mirey Brook |
Ashuelot is a Native American word meaning "collection of many waters".[2]
The Ashuelot River rises out of Butterfield Pond south of Sunapee Mountain in Pillsbury State Park, near Washington in southeastern Sullivan County. It flows southwest through Ashuelot Pond into Cheshire County, then south past Keene and Swanzey and along the east side of the Pisgah Mountains. At Winchester, approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the Massachusetts state line, it turns west, flowing past the village of Ashuelot and joining the Connecticut from the east at Hinsdale, in the extreme southwest corner of New Hampshire.
The river is impounded to supply hydroelectricity at Marlow, Keene, Swanzey, and Hinsdale. The river is part of the Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program of the U.S. government.
The Ashuelot River has several covered bridges spanning its waters. All are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From source to mouth:
From source to mouth:
Rivers of New Hampshire by drainage system | |||||||||||
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Gulf of Maine |
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Long Island Sound |
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