A dam on the Silvermine River, by the Silvermine Tavern in Norwalk, CT, creates a beautiful mill pond.

In the past the river was used for 12 or 13 mills in the neighborhood because it fell steeply enough for the water power to be profitably harnessed. The mills included a leather tanning works, sawmill, and spool works. The name "Silvermine" comes from old legends of a silver mine in the area, although no silver has ever been found.

© 2007 George J. Bancroft Sr.