In 1768, under contract with the colonial proprietors of Chichester, John Cram chose this spot on the Great Suncook on which to build a saw mill and grist mill. He constructed a crude dam for power to run the mills by felling trees from each side of the river. For his efforts he received 500 acres of land. Later Cram purchased another 1100 acres, which constituted most of today's downtown community. For these reasons he is known as the Father of Pittsfield.