April 2001

RALPH WALDO EMERSON SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY U.S. CITIZEN WHO HASN’T FALLEN UNDER THE CITY’S SPELL.

ON THE RUGGED COAST NORTH OF BOSTON, FOUR TOWNS SHARE A LONG HISTORY OF MORTAL PERIL AND ENDURING BEAUTY.

All along its 360-mile route, towns to which the canal gave birth are looking to its powerful ghost for economic revival.

THE ATOLL WHERE THE TIDE OF THE PACIFIC WAR TURNED IS NOW BOTH A STIRRING HISTORICAL LANDMARK AND A STUNNING WILD LIFE REFUGE.

COLLINSVILLE, CONNECTICUT RETAINS ALL THE EARMARKS OF ITS 19TH-CENTURY VIGOR AND MANY DESCENDANTS OF THE PEOPLE WHO FUELED IT.