The Story of Saville Dam and Barkhamsted Reservoir
The Saville Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, stands as a testament to progress and the sacrifices made in its name. This dam, named after chief engineer Caleb Mills Saville, not only created the nine-mile-long Barkhamsted Reservoir but also transformed the East Branch valley of the Farmington River, displacing entire communities and altering the landscape forever.
The Birth of a Reservoir
The journey of the Saville Dam and the Barkhamsted Reservoir began in the late 1920s. From 1927 until 1948, the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) acquired land in the East Branch valley using funds from water bonds sales. The construction of the dam and the subsequent flooding of the valley were part of a larger plan to secure a reliable water supply for Hartford and its surrounding areas.
Life Before the Reservoir
Before the creation of the reservoir, the East Branch valley was home to vibrant communities in Barkhamsted Hollow and Hartland Hollow. Residents led simple, self-sufficient lives, fishing the river, farming the land, and maintaining close-knit relationships with their neighbors. The river was a source of sustenance and joy, providing abundant fish and marking the seasons with its annual floods.
The heart of Barkhamsted Hollow was LeGeyts, the only general store in the valley. The store, which also housed the post office, was a hub of activity and a testament to the resilience and enterprise of the LeGeyt family. In Hartland Hollow, farms of various sizes dotted the landscape, with families raising livestock and growing crops for personal use and sale.
The Impact of Progress
The construction of the Barkhamsted Reservoir brought about significant upheaval. The MDC began purchasing land in 1927, and by the early 1930s, the agency had acquired most of the properties in the valley. The residents, faced with the inevitability of losing their homes, had to relocate, often to nearby towns like Granby, New Hartford, and Riverton.
The process of clearing the land for the reservoir was arduous and emotionally taxing. Trees, brush, and buildings were removed, and the once-thriving valley was transformed into a barren landscape. The demolition of the last private building, the Old Newgate Coon Club, marked the end of an era for the community.
The Completion of Saville Dam
The Saville Dam's construction was a monumental task. Foundations for both the dam and the diversion tunnel were laid in August 1934. The eastern branch of the Farmington River was diverted into a concrete conduit at the bottom of the dam site. Despite the dam's completion in 1940, it wasn't until 1948 that the Barkhamsted Reservoir finally filled to capacity, marking the culmination of years of planning, construction, and sacrifice.
The Legacy of the Reservoir
The Barkhamsted Reservoir, with a capacity of 30 billion gallons, became the primary water supply for Hartford and its surrounding areas. When combined with the nearby Nepaug Reservoir, the two reservoirs can supply normal water use for 22 months without any rain, underscoring their critical role in the region's water management.
The creation of the Barkhamsted Reservoir was not without its human cost. The project displaced upwards of 1,000 people, many of whom had deep roots in the valley. Their stories of resilience and adaptation are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for progress.
The Saville Dam and the Barkhamsted Reservoir are more than just feats of engineering; they are symbols of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. While the reservoir continues to serve as a vital water source for Hartford, the memories of the communities that once thrived in the East Branch valley live on. The story of Saville Dam is a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of those who once called the valley home.
It also is a great drive to go see and just a picturesque view when you arrive. So if you’re in the area, check it out.
