Site History

Yesterday

Brief History: The area was originally settled by Algonquin and Iroquois Indians. After the Revolutionary War, Ethan Allen settled in the area. He bought about 1,400 acres, 350 of which were in the Intervale. He lived there for two years between 1787 and 1789. The site which is now a park area known as the Ethan Allen homestead. It is dedicated to restoring and preserving the history of Ethan Allen.

Today

Our site has changed significantly over the years. With no bedrock to contain it, the river, with seasonal flooding, can pretty much meander wherever it wants. From our observation it is evident that the main point bar of the peninsula has slowly grown out. This is evident for several reasons. One, natural progress shows that the point bar causes the river to slow, causing it to drop more sediment. Thus the bar slowly moves out. Second, this progression is evident because of the progressive riparian forest. Tree age, height, and diversity grows the further you get from the edge of the point bar located in E-2.

Tomorrow

This projection represents the changes that we feel will come about. The changes are based on several factors that we learned over the course of the week. The first major change that is directly related to the portion of the site we spent the most time is the formation of Horseshoe Lake, as you see in E-2 of the present day map. Not only does the bar move further out but the force of the river cuts through the thinnest part after constant erosion and or flooding participates in forming the lake. Another change you might notice is the formation of Mosquito Pond located in B-1 of the future projection. The lake of flow and water causes the part connected to the river to dry into marshy land and form the pond. Other formations are the increasing curve of the B-1 area in the future map.

By Andrew Cook and Michael Tefft, Web Masters extraordinaire.