Rising in the calm of Black Pond in Plymouth, Vermont, the Black River runs in a generally southeast direction through various towns and villages, over cascading falls and through deep glacial lakes, pickup up water, pebbles and sand from every feeder stream (or tributary) along the way.

There are 202 square miles of land that drain water into the 40 miles of the Black River or one of its tributaries. Farms, bedrock, mountains, roads, buildings, soil, parking lots, forests, dams…all of these things are part of the character of the river.

In downtown Springfield lies the steep Comtu Falls, a picturesque scene in the heat of summer, and a raging torrent during the storms of autumn and the snow-melt of spring. This falls was so impressive in its raw power that it was the focal-point of industry for the town of Springfield for decades.

One mill in particular, the Slack Shoddy Mill, is described in great detail by Ron Jasinski at his website: www.slackshoddymill.com. It is definitely worth a visit, whether you are a Springfielder, a history buff, or a curious passer-by.