Canton in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Harnessing Nature

— Paul Revere Heritage Site —

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

1. Harnessing Nature Marker

Inscription.
Harnessing Nature In 1963, the Army Corps of Engineers completed the dam structure before you as part of a flood protection plan. Canton had suffered through several major floods in the years 1886, 1938, and 1955. This plan was devised after the devastating 1955 flood as a means of diverting potential floodwaters away from businesses located along the riverbank. To your right, as you look out over the water, you will see the diversion channel, often mistaken for the East Branch of the Neponset, which encircles the property. The diversion channel rejoins the river by the viaduct. The river runs to your left and proceeds under the property via an underground channel, called a box culvert. The channel was built to avoid future flooding in this area of town. Watch for an abundance of wildlife, including beavers, river otters, muskrats, and turtles.

How has flooding or other extreme weather ever affected you or your property?

(image captions)
— An ariel view of this location during the time the Plymouth Rubber Company was in full operation. Notice the diversion channel which encircles the property. (Image

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courtesy of Army Corps of Engineers)
— An image of the same area from 1962 before the diversion channel was built. (Image courtesy of Canton Historical Society)

Erected 2025 by Town of Canton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.

Location. 42° 9.285′ N, 71° 8.971′ W. Marker is in Canton, Massachusetts, in Norfolk County. It can be reached from Revolution Way east of Neponset Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton MA 02021, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker:

Harnessing Nature Marker (wide) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

2. Harnessing Nature Marker (wide)

Rubber Plant Worker (within shouting distance of this marker); The Power’s in the Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Massachusett Tribe Member at Ponkapoag (within shouting distance of this marker); Ponkapoag (within shouting distance of this marker); Honest Miller’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); Immigrants, The Key to the Site’s Success (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Canton Dale Resident (about 400 feet away); A View Across Time (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Also see . . .
1. United States Army Corps of Engineers - Wikipedia.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the military engineering branch of the United States Army. A Direct Reporting Unit (DRU), it has three primary mission areas: Engineer Regiment, military construction, and civil works. USACE is one of the world's largest public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. The USACE workforce is approximately 97% civilian and 3% active duty military.

(Submitted on August 16, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)

2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Our Mission.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026

3. Harnessing Nature Marker

Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk.

(Submitted on August 16, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.