A picture book from an exhibit of postcards and Mohawk Trail memorabilia at the North Adams Museum of History and Science.
FLORIDA, Mass. — The winding Mohawk Trail will be rededicated on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. at the Whitcomb Summit.
Thought to be the nation's first scenic byway, it will be honored on its centennial with speaking program, displays and cake.
The trail runs for 65 miles between Orange and Williamstown, reaching its highest elevation of 2,272 feet above sea level at the Whitcomb Summit, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Following the paths made over the centuries by the region's natives, it was both a major transportation connector to the Berkshires and featured dozens of tourist attractions along its length such as the "Hail To The Sunrise" statue at Mohawk Park.
The road is probably best known for its scenic views, particularly the spectacular displays of fall foliage on the 36-mile trip over the Hoosac Range from Greenfield to the steep Hairpin Turn in Clarksburg and North Adams.
Saturday's program will include several prominent people with ties to the Mohawk Trail and to the history behind it, including Clinton Richmond, a descendent of state Sen. Andrew A. Richmond of North Adams who helped to spearhead financial backing for the project in Boston.
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be sold from 10:30 a.m. on and, after the presentation, cake will be served free of charge. Along with the speakers and food there will be various displays to highlight the festivities. Attendees are free to bring their own picnic baskets.
The Florida Historical Committee has already hung a 100th anniversary banner near the summit. Richmond will also present a more in-depth history of the trail, including a musical history, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the North Adams Public Library.
The North Adams Museum of History and Science also has an exhibit of postcards, booklets and other ephemera related the trail and the nearby Visitors Museum, also in Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams, is featuring the exhibit "The Long and Winding Road" through Nov. 2.
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A picture book from an exhibit of postcards and Mohawk Trail memorabilia at the North Adams Museum of History and Science.
