The Sinister Story Behind This Popular Massachusetts Lake Will Give You Chills

Most people know the Quabbin Reservoir as the main source of drinking water for the Boston area and a beautiful spot to spend a sunny afternoon. Its sparkling surface seems so tranquil and untroubled. However, there’s actually a sinister side to this beloved man-made lake.

Flickr/Discover Central Massachusetts

The majority of people don’t have a clue that beneath the lovely waters of the Quabbin Reservoir are submerged houses, roads and shops. Four towns were drowned to form the Quabbin Reservoir – Enfield, Dana, Greenwich and Prescott. This gorgeous spot is actually sitting on a whole collection of underwater ghost towns

Wikimedia Commons

The story behind the drowned towns is intriguing. When Boston began to face a lack of drinking water in the 1920s, the city decided it was time to form a new reservoir. The Cochituate Aqueduct had been supplying the area with water from Lake Cochituate, but the supply was no longer meeting the demand.

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Flickr/Pete Dutton

The state decided on the perfect spot for the reservoir. However, there was one annoying detail to be resolved – four bustling towns were in the way.

Though the residents of the towns fought to keep their homes and communities, the state won in the end. In 1938, the towns of Dana, Prescott and Greenwich were disincorporated and disappeared beneath the water.

The town of Enfield held one last community ball before the scheduled abandonment. When the last song ended, the town was officially dissolved. Most of the residents of the towns were relocated to nearby communities. Some left the state altogether, heartbroken over the loss of their family homes.

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Today, you can actually visit the ruins of some of these underwater ghost towns. A portion of the old town of Dana was situated on higher ground and some of the foundations survive. You can explore Dana’s old stone walls, walking paths and even some old cellar holes.

If ghost towns are your thing, check out this spooky Massachusetts ghost town rumored to be the home of witches.

Did your great-grandparents or grandparents have any stories about the drowning of these towns? Share your experience below!