at the foot of the mountain southeast of the town. and takes its name, "Fort River," from an Indian fort on a high bluff overlooking the bank. Opposite, where the stream debouches out upon the plain, is another eminence called "Indian hill," which extends to the bank of the Connecticut. These elevations have been found especially rich in Indian relics, such as bones, arrows and utensils. Some claim that they are not only sites of Indian residences, but are ancient battle grounds, and probably have connection with historic events. The usual showing of the Goffe incident, by artist and poet, is that the people were in church, the Indians appeared at the door and the unknown descended like an "angel," with sword in hand, so they were enabled to drive off the enemy. Those best acquainted with the ground seek a more realistic solution. The Indians on the west had been driven northward and would not be likely to cross the river and the open meadow to reach the town. The only avenue for a surprise was from the southeast, with a rendezvous at the fort under the mountain. It is claimed that General Goffe, with his knowledge of military affairs, would look out for an attack from this quarter. and consequently did plan a counter-stroke with the soldiers in his confidence. and thus the battle was actually fought south of the town, on Indian hill. It is thought that if the Indians reached the street the village would have been burned. At all events here are the remains of a fort, and opposite is Indian hill, with the waters of the Connecticut uncovering curious relics year after year, and the little mill stream continues to wind in long serpentine curves over the "Hockanum" meadows, very much in general appearance, probably, as when the country was first settled.
Soon the Indians were driven from the vicinity, but for many years the frontiers were harassed by incursions from the north. The broad street was stockaded, and at the appearance of danger the flocks were driven inside and sentinels posted at the gates. This unsettled state of affairs extended through the French and Indian wars, almost to the period of the Revolution. The settlements on the river communicated by boat with Hartford and Long Island Sound, or reached Boston overland by the old "Bay Path."
