A first for Thompson

Have you ever heard of the term, Swamp Yankee? If not, let me fill you in. Legend has it, that the term was fit to describe the residents of Thompson during the Revolutionary War. During the year 1776, some of the town's people feared a British Invasion was eminent. Fearing for their lives, the town residents would hide in local near bye swamps and await for the invasion to pass. None every came. So when they returned to their homes the people that has stayed put, harassed them and called them Swamp Yankees. These days though, there is nothing to be afraid of in Thompson. As a matter of fact, Thompson is a town of many first. Did you know that Thompson International Motor Speedway is the 1st ever paved asphalt race track in the United States? It is also the highest banked track in New England. I actually ran on it last year with my bare feet during a Warrior Dash. What a  memory for me. The worst train wreck in our country's history took place right here in 1891. That day, 4 trains collided with each other near what is now called The Airline Trail and New Road. I have actually been to this intersection, because my finance and I hiked from here to a spot that is called the tri-state marker. This is the marker where Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut all come together. How cool is that! To get to this marker, you can park where the train crash took place and  hike to it. A two for one deal, as they say. How about this one. Thompson is the only place in the state where you can find an Exit 100.  Exit 100 off of I-395 will take your right to the Thompson  Signs listed below. Exit 100 folks, that is where you can find it all and all the many firsts in Thompson.