Tantiusques (pronounced “tan-te-us-quays”) is the site of one of the oldest mines in New England, first stewarded by Indigenous people and then colonists. To deepen our understanding and interpretation of this landscape, we are actively working to build and strengthen relationships with the Tribal communities connected to this place.

Today, a partially filled mine cut along the top of the ridge is all that remains of what was once a several thousand-foot-long trench—20 to 50 feet deep and roughly six feet wide—which followed a vein of graphite. While the mineshaft is now blocked for safety, high-powered flashlights can still see into its dark depths.

Take a spur trail through the Leadmine Wildlife Management Area that ends at the Crowd Homestead Site. Foundations of the house and barn lived in by Robert Crowd—a man of African American and Native ancestry who worked at the mine in the mid-19th century—can still be spotted today.

• WHEN TO VISIT
  Daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of one hour, two hours if also visiting nearby Quinebaug Woods
• ADMISSION
  FREE to all.
• ADVISORIES
  Parking area is not plowed in the winter.

Leadmine Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566

Email: info@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Mass Turnpike (I-90), take Exit 78 to merge onto I-84 West. Take Exit 3 toward Sturbridge. Turn right at stop sign onto Mashapaug Rd. and follow south for 1.5 mi. Turn right onto Leadmine Rd. and follow for 0.9 mi. to entrance and parking (4 cars) on left.

We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.

• Hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing like an orange vest or hat during the hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties, and read safety tips for non-hunters.
• Please note that the parking lot is not plowed in winter.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property.  Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.