Aberjona River

The Aberjona River is a brook flowing through the northwestern suburbs of Boston, passing through Reading, Woburn, and Winchester before reaching the Mystic Lakes. The watercourse connects multiple communities through its natural path across the region.

The river developed as a natural drainage system for the region and became heavily polluted in the mid-1800s due to industrial tanneries. This contamination shaped environmental awareness and concerns in the area for decades.

The name Aberjona comes from the Natick Native American language and refers to a place where waterways meet. Visitors can see this geographical meaning reflected in how the watercourse gathers water from different directions.

The waterway is easily accessible from roads running through Winchester and neighboring towns, with several points where you can reach the banks. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be aware of local conditions when approaching the water.

The waterway gained international attention through the book 'A Civil Action', which documented environmental damage from industrial pollution. This account turned it into an important case study for environmental lawsuits in America.