Ashuelot

Ashuelot is an unincorporated community in the town of Winchester, named after the Ashuelot River. A historic, wooden covered bridge, built in 1864-1865, which crosses over the Ashuelot River, is a ‘must see’ when you come into town. It is one of the state’s few surviving 19th century covered bridges, and it is listed on the National Registry. Strikingly beautiful, as well as surrounded by a peaceful, colorful backdrop, a photographers paradise awaits. Regarding Ashuelot history – for hundreds of years, communities relied on the Ashuelot River to produce power for textile manufacturing and wood plants. The locals said that “the color of the river would change with what the local mills were making at the time.” (What a sight that must have been). Fishing is also a popular sport here. Trout, largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow and white perch are just a few fish which can be found. The American Eel and the Ashuelot River were both listed in 1993 and have been recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as one of the four most important areas for the dwarf wedge mussel, a federally endangered species. The Ashuelot River has also played a very important role in the restoration of anadromous fish in the Connecticut River Basin.