Tantiusques (tan-te-us-quays), derived from the Nipmuc word meaning “to a black deposit between two hills,” was the location of one of New England's earliest mines. The Nipmuc tribe initially mined graphite at this site for ceremonial paints, and in 1644, John Winthrop, Jr. acquired the mine with plans to extract lead and iron. Frederick Tudor, renowned for selling New England ice globally, shipped approximately 30 tons of graphite annually to Boston between 1829 and 1860. Captain Joseph Dixon, who collaborated with Tudor, eventually pioneered the first wood and graphite pencil in the United States, founding the Dixon-Ticonderoga Company. Mining activities at Tantiusques ceased by 1910, and while the forest has since reclaimed the area, remnants of the mine, including cuts, ditches, tailings piles, and mine shafts (the most prominent of which is gated and just a few yards down the trail from the main parking lot), are still visible. In 1983, the Sturbridge Historical Commission's efforts led to Tantiusques being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is a short, easy loop trail that takes you around the site (thetrustees.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/tantiusques-trail-map.pdf). This is a unique place to explore close to downtown Strubridge, and a must-visit for any history lover.
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