ATHOL

town (township), Worcester county, north-central Massachusetts, U.S. It lies on the Millers River, north of Quabbin Reservoir. Settled in 1735, it was known by the Algonquian name of Pequoiag until it was incorporated in 1762 and renamed for Blair Atholl, the Scottish home of the dukes of Atholl. An early industrial centre, it had lumber, textile, and tanning mills. Its modern economy is based on a combination of services (including tourism) and manufacturing (furniture, tools, and plastics). Located on the historic Mohawk Trail scenic highway, near Doane's Falls, it is a gateway to a mountainous recreation area. Area 33 square miles (85 square km). Pop. (1990) 11,451; (1996 est.) 11,158.