DARTMOUTH
HISTORY:
Dartmouth was named for the town of Dartmouth, Devon, England.
The land was purchased with trading foods from the Wampanoag chiefs Massasoit and Wamsutta by elders of the Plymouth Colony; reportedly 30 yards of cloth, 8 moose skins, 15 axes, 15 hoes, 15 pairs of shoes, 1 iron pot, and ten shillings' worth of assorted goods.
The land of the towns of Westport, Fairhaven, and Acushnet, and the city of New Bedford, which included Fairhaven and Acushnet, separated and were incorporated as towns themselves.
Dartmouth's history was that of an agricultural community, but during the late 19th. century its coastline became a resort area for the wealthy members of New Bedford society.
Round Hill was the site of early-to-mid 20th. century research into the uses for radio and microwaves by MIT researchers. It is also the site of the Green Mansion, the estate of "Colonel" Edward Howland Robinson Green, a colorful character in his own right, who was the son of the even more colorful and wildly eccentric Hetty Green, said to be the richest woman in the world in her time and the "world's greatest miser".
The property now is a gated community featuring a nine hole golf course.
Geographically, it is the 3rd. largest town in Massachusetts.
See more SouthCoast town history...Click on the "Read more" below.
WAREHAM
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Cranberry Bog
HISTORY:
"Gateway to Cape Cod"
The town of Wareham, sometimes pronounced Wear-ham was named for the town of Wareham, England. Wareham was settled in 1678 as part of the towns of Plymouth and Rochester.
Because of Wareham's proximity to the Buzzard's Bay, the town's early history was of shipbuilding and other related industries. Wareham also become a popular resort town in the summer.
The Onset section of town has the very popular Onset Beach. Just across the street from the beach is Onset Center with its many fine shops, restaurants and inns.
SOMERSET
Pierce Beach and Park
HISTORY:
Somerset was first settled in 1677. It was named for Somerset Square in Boston, which was, in turn, named for the county of Somerset, England.
In 1872, Somerset became the site of a major coal port.
Somerset was once a important shipping port.
Today the town is best known for it's two power plants.
FAIRHAVEN
HISTORY:
The town shares a harbor with the city of New Bedford. Fairhaven, like New Bedford are well-known for its whaling and fishing heritage.
The town was the second largest whaling port in the U. S.
Fairhaven, once part of New Bedford eventually separated from the city. In 1812 the town officially was incorporated.
Fairhaven's most famous native was Henry Huttleston Rogers (1840-1909), who was businessman and philanthropist. He donated many community improvements in the late-nineteenth and early twentieth-century, including the extraordinary high school, the Town Hall, and the library.
Located at the outer harbor is Fort Phoenix (Fort Phoenix State Reservation). During colonial and revolutionary times the fort was the primary defense against seaborne attacks on the New Bedford harbor. Within sight of the fort, the first naval battle of the American Revolution took place in 1775.
Fairhaven is the home of the Acushnet company, a world-renowned manufacturer of Titlist golf balls.
WESTPORT
HISTORY:
The town of Westport was the most western port In Massachusetts when it was first settled in 1670. The town today is mostly residential, with a large farming community.
The Westport island of Gooseberry Neck was a coastal defense installation during WWII..
Horseneck Beach and State Reservation is a very popular summer destination for many in the area.
SWANSEA
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| Town Hall (built in 1890) |
HISTORY:
Swansea was settled in 1663 and the town was named after a minister's home village in Wales. Forges, ironworks and fishing on the town's river made up a substantial part of the town's economy. Swansea also had a large agricultural capacity.
A picnic grove called Shady Isles was a popular spot for city people from Fall River and Providence. Now a suburban community with much of its agricultural land still open.
MATTAPOISETT
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| Ned's Point Lighthouse |
HISTORY:
This coastal town was settled about 1750.
Mattapoisett is an old Indian word meaning " a place of resting".
The town's principal business (prior to 1800) was shipbuilding and whaling with four shipyards.
With more than 400 ships build in a period of 100 years, making Mattapoisett one of the most important shipbuilding towns on the East Coast.
Many of the whaling vessels made in one of the town's four shipyards sailed from the world's largest whaling port - New Bedford.
The vessel "Acushnet" was built here and it is the ship Herman Melville sailed on.
Following the decline of shipbuilding, Mattapoisett became a summer residents for well-to-do Bostonian and New Yorkers.
ACHUSNET
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| Town Hall |
HISTORY:
The name "Acushnet", which is also the name of the river the town lies on, comes from the Wampanoag (Native American tribe) "Cushnea", meaning "peaceful resting place near water". Acushnet Company (Titleist golf balls) was founded in town.
Freetown and Lakeville history coming soon.
