One of the Most Haunted Bridges in Massachusetts Has Been Around Since 1972
By Marie Magoch
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Published February 18, 2021
One of Massachusetts’ most haunted bridges has only been around since 1972, but the haunted history surrounding it reaches back much further than that. The Pumping Station Bridge, also known as the Eunice Williams Covered Bridge, was rebuilt after the original 1870 bridge was destroyed by arson in 1969.
Like many, this ghost story begins with the sad story of a terrible tragedy. The setting of this particular one was the tiny town of Deerfield, Massachusetts during the Queen Anne's War. On February 29, 1704, The French army, along with their Mohawk and Abenaki allies, attacked the town, murdering 56 residents and taking the 112 survivors as prisoners.
Anyone who survived the massacre was forced to travel by foot to Canada. It didn't matter if they were in poor health or, like Mrs. Eunice Williams, had just given birth the day before.
Eunice Williams had given birth only the night before the attack, so was already in a weakened state when her husband, Reverend John Williams, herself, and their five surviving children were captured. While crossing the Green River, poor Eunice, who had already lost two of her children during the massacre and could barely move forward, finally collapsed.
Without hesitation, she was murdered in front of her family with the stroke of a tomahawk.
In the many years since that tragic event, the apparition of Eunice has been seen floating in the Green River. In the years since the original bridge was built, she has also appeared on moonless nights in and underneath the bridge.
Perhaps she still continues to hope that she will one day be able to reunite with her family.
After the bridge was rebuilt in 1972, it had a few more renovations along the way. In 2002, natural wear and tear caused it to be closed to vehicles. It was closed for a full renovation in 2011, after damage caused by Hurricane Irene. The bridge was finally reopened to visitors in November 2014.
A marker commemorating the life of Eunice Williams and memorializing her tragic death on March 1, 1704, remains as a reminder of the Deerfield Massacre.
Today, the Eunice Williams Covered Bridge is a beautiful place to spend a summer day. It's the perfect place for a hike or a picnic near the cool river.
On a clear, moonless night, you may have a chance of catching a glimpse of Mrs. Eunice Williams. Perhaps, she is still trying to reunite with her family.
You can visit the Green River and The Eunice Williams Covered Bridge at 26 Eunice Williams Dr, Greenfield, MA 01301.
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26 Eunice Williams Dr, Greenfield, MA 01301, USA