When we consider the physical condition of affairs at the north end of the township at this time, we can readily understand why the growth was not faster. The two streams forming the Hoosac were much broader and deeper than at the present time, and when the spring floods came they rose rapidly and swept over the whole territory where are now located the principal business and manufacturing establishments of North Adams, with an icy flood. Tall, gloomy pines dominated the scene, covering the valley and extending far up the foothills and mountain sides. Some of them were giant trees, tradition saying that one when felled measured one hundred and fourteen feet to the first limb. Their stumps and roots were tremendous and proved an annoyance to travelers on Main Street for years, until some public spirited citizens formed a "bee" and cleared up the ground for good. Where the pines were cut away the ground proved to he poor for cultivation, so poor that it was said that it would not raise beans." As an agricultural township East Hoosuck would have starved. At this period must have been developed that spirit which has made Adams and North Adams what they are to-day. If they could not "raise beans" they could cut lumber and build small factories along the river banks; and that is precisely what they began to do.

Up to this time there was no other name for this section but the Plantation of East Hoosuck; but on October 15, 1778, there was passed an act incorporating the "Plantation called East Hoosuck, in the county of Berkshire, into a town by the name of Adams." The name of Adams was given in honor of Samuel Adams, the Revolutionary leader and patriot. And so in the midst of the Revolutionary struggle the town was born. The first town meeting was held March 8, 1779. The inhabitants seem