Sanford Blackinton.

No sketch of northern Berkshire could be complete without some reference to the Hoosac Tunnel; and to North Adams belongs the distinction of having within its limits one end of the longest tunnel on the American continent and the pioneer long-distance tunnel of the world. Owing to the physical conditions of the country, Berkshire, so far as its business and social interests lay, was for a long time more a part of the state of New York than of Massachusetts. Cut off by the high Hoosac ranges on the east, it was only natural that trade should seek an outlet to the west through the valleys leading to the Hudson River. For years the line of communication for exports and imports lay through Williamstown and Pownal to Hoosick and thence down the "old stone road" to Troy, N. Y. Over this road the four-horse teams carried the manufactured goods from the township of Adams, and in return brought back the groceries and necessary supplies. This "old stone road" was a turnpike extending from Troy, N. Y., to Bennington, Vt., and was one of the earliest specimens of macadamized road in this country. It is related that on one occasion a unique cargo came over this thoroughfare into North Adams. It was nothing less than a wagon load of specie, the entire capital of the first bank started in North Adams. There could have been no question of stock watering in regard to this institution, as the stockholders and patrons could actually see and handle the entire assets.

But larger interests than those of northern Berkshire were seeking an outlet to the West. About this time the question of the carriage of freight from Boston to the West was the subject of earnest discussion. For some years prior to 1825 the project was seriously contemplated of building a canal through Berkshire, to connect Boston and the east with the Hudson River. Nothing came of this scheme until July, 1825, when a party of gen-