Collinsville (Finally!)

It was a gorgeous day so I decided to return to the Farmington River Trail to cruise on into Collinsville. I parked at a lot near where I got farthest north on my previous trek.

Once in Collinsville--after a quick ride around the quaint little town--I enjoyed a burger and beer at the pub which was once the old train station--how cool is that?

The former railroad bridge and factory.

Main Street was charming...

Historical Kiosks were abundant throughout the village.

The former train station is now a pub -- Ooo yeah!

Tools/blades a made at the local former factory were on display

Piers of the former RR Bridge

Further Details 

The central portion of Collinsville is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ambiance of Main Street reflects period architecture with ornate details from the start of the 20th century. It was built around the Collins Company Axe Factory, a manufacturer of edge tools, such as axes, machetes, picks and knives. Collins machetes were the brand of choice in South America. Collins tools were used almost exclusively for the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and axes and picks made their way across the country to be used in the California Gold Rush. Admiral Peary carried Collins tools to the North Pole. Source (Wikipedia)

Collinsville has a unique railroad history because they had two railroads that were very close, but did not connect. The New Haven and Northampton (NH&N) came first in 1850, followed by the Central New England (CNE) in 1871. Source