Use of the river may be divided into three eras. The first is the Raquette as hunting ground. Since the glaciers retreated Native American s have canoed it, hunted its banks, fished it pools, and built farming villages on its highlands. In the second era its principal use was for mill power. Arriving as 19th century America was entering the industrial age, settlers lost no time in harnessing the rapids to drive mills and factories. The mill power era lasted almost a century. By some standards this era was the heyday for Raquette culture. Population grew, villages were founded and industry flourished. On the banks of the Raquette, American history was being made.

You don't need to be an archaelolgist or historian to visualize the Raquette's past eras. Nearly all the uses the river has ever served it still serves though in different proportions. We still depend upon the river.

About 1920 the river's third era, the Caretaker era began. The Raquette quieted down as the factories and farms were replaced by hydroelectric reservoirs. The shores became places to reside or play. We are still in that Caretaker era. Now we view the Raquette through a picture window, as our backyard. When we think of it at all it is as a park, a wildlife refuge, an artistic inspiration.

What will future generations see in the Raquette's waters? Power? Beauty? Profit? Fun? One tread has begun: villages which turned their backs on the Raquette in the early 20th century are developing their riverfronts.

Viewing the Raquette's history through the lens of anthropology offers several insights: from Piercefiled to Massena Springs, we are all in this Racquette together.

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