Except in times of very high water, the Agawam River is easily forded at the place called Mittineague Falls. This shallow location made it a popular fishing place for both the Agawam Indians and the early colonial settlers. An excellent view of the “fording place”, the Agawam River cliffs and the Mittineague Mills can be had from the upstream side of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and you are encouraged to walk out onto the bridge to view them.
Although the part of town called Mittineague Falls has a great deal of spectacular scenery, it was mostly a neglected area until 1836 when the Agawam Canal Company was formed. In an attempt to encourage the building of mills, the company built a dam and canal to furnish waterpower.
Wells Southworth bought land from the Agawam Canal Company in 1839 and began the Southworth Paper Company. The arrival of the railroad in 1841 opened up new markets between Boston and Albany. Mr. Southworth’s business thrived and was soon joined by the Strathmore, Agawam and Worthy Paper Companies. Soon Mittineague even had its own railroad station and a United States Post Office. Even though Agawam became a separate community in 1855, mail addressed simply, “Mittineague, Mass.” was always delivered to the correct house, be it in West Springfield or Agawam.
In 2003 the dam and canal are still functional but they are now used to generate electricity, a fish ladder has been built to encourage the return of salmon to the river, the railroad station is now a place of worship and the old post office has closed its doors. And, after 164 years, the President of the Southworth Paper Company is named David Southworth and the company is still making paper at Mittineague Falls.
The word Mittineague has never been satisfactorily translated but early records indicate that it may be the Indian name for the large island near Mittineague Falls.