Winchester's early history was determined by two natural resources: the Ashuelot River and the Pisgah forest. The river was a source of water, power, and transportation for early settlers. The vast old-growth trees in the area known as Pisgah naturally led to sawmills, pail and box shops, and wood flour production. With industrialization in the 19th century and the coming of the railroad, Winchester became an ideal place for factories. The addition of two woolen mills and a cotton mill created jobs that drew immigrants to the area. By the turn of the 20th century, Winchester was a bustling,...