12 Towns in Massachusetts With Rich History

Massachusetts is at the fore of America's modern history and was remarkable as the site of early English colonization. The first English colonies - Plymouth and Bay Colonies began in the state, earning it a firm position in America's history books. As a result, many towns in Massachusetts are hosts of these early American historical footprints. From Salem with its infamous witch trials to the towns of Lexington and Concord that birthed the American Revolutionary War, Massachusetts towns are rich in history. Beyond its rich history, these towns are also scenic, with some lying on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, offering many recreational and fun things to do.

Hingham

Hingham is a suburban town of Greater Boston on the south shore of Massachusetts. The Brits, most of whom were Vicars from the Anglican Church, first settled in this town in 1633 and created their colony. Visitors can explore most of its colonial history in downtown Hingham, where the Old Ship Church, built in 1681, is located. This is the oldest church in the United States still in use. The town is also home to World's End, a famous open park on a peninsula overlooking the ocean, where visitors can relax and savor lovely views of Boston's cityscape and Hingham Harbor. Bathing Beach is another scenic destination, with views of Hingham Harbor and World's End, while hosting a farmer's market. 

Watertown

Watertown is one of the earliest settlements of Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630 by George Philips and Richard Saltonstall. The city played its role in the Revolutionary War by sending 134 minutemen (New England-trained soldiers) to reroute British soldiers from Concord. It is home to the Watertown Arsenal, a famous historic attraction renowned for producing ammunition from 1816 and throughout WWII. Also, the town is prominent for the Armenian Library and Museum of America, which houses the largest collection of Armenian relics in North America. Watertown is home to the third-largest population of Armenians in the US, hence the museum. Visitors to this town should also not miss out on the Watertown Square by Charles River with its arresting river views and plenty of restaurants to wine and dine.  

Ipswich

Incorporated in 1634, Ipswich is a scenic tourist town founded by John Winthrop Junior. He played a critical role in merging settlements into a single Connecticut Colony. Much of the town's history is seen in the South Green Historic District, where several historic houses dot the landscape, including John Whipple House, a colonial house and museum. Visitors can explore the historic district and later unwind at Crane Beach, where four miles of sandy beach, dunes, and maritime forest set the stage for outdoor recreation—unsatisfied? Cross the water into Plum Island to explore its idyllic beaches and high-rise dunes. In addition, Castle Hill, a ridge fenced by the sea and salt marshes, is a fascinating destination to see a Tudor Revival Mansion. 

Sturbridge

John Winthrop Junior, a former English governor who founded Ipswich, was also the first to visit Sturbridge. He bought the land from the locals known as Tantasqua in 1644 and began mining graphite and iron. Today, the town is famous for its Old Sturbridge Village - a living museum replicating the lives of New England rural inhabitants from 1790 to the 1800s. This Old Village features more than 40 historic buildings, categorized under the Center Village, Countryside, and Mill Neighborhood. So, there is a lot of exploring to do once here. Afterward, check out the Wells State Park to hike its 10 miles of walking trails or swim, fish, and boat on its scenic Walker Pond. 

Newburyport

The coastal town of Newburyport lies at the tip of Merrimack River and was a significant fishing, ship-building, and arms manufacturing hub in the 1800s. The town was a center for private military contractors during the Revolutionary War and also hosted George Whitefield in 1740, who was one of the brains behind the Great Awakening. George was buried under the pulpit of the First Presbyterian Church, which still stands today. While here, visitors can head to the town's historic waterfront and promenade its harbor, admiring the sights of floating vessels and boats. Otherwise, Plum Island Beach is a fantastic destination for kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and touring its lighthouse. 

Stockbridge

British missionaries were the first to settle in Stockbridge in 1734, establishing it as a praying town for the native Mohican tribe. Interestingly, Jonathan Edwards, who led the First Great Awakening, was also a missionary in Stockbridge. The Mission House, built between 1740 and 1742, still stands for visitors. Norman Rockwell Museum is another interesting place to visit, particularly for art lovers. This art museum is dedicated to Norman Rockwell, an American Painter and Illustrator, and houses the most extensive collection of his works globally. Away from arts and history, Stockbridge Bowl - an artificial lake accessible by a public boat ramp, is a prime water sports destination in town. 

Gloucester

Gloucester is a city in Cape Ann renowned for its history as a fishing and ship-building hub. Relics and exhibits of the town's fishing and maritime history are massive at Cape Ann Museum. However, the town's most iconic landmark - The Man at the Wheel statue, also known as the Fisherman Memorial Cenotaph, is more prominent. For recreational activities, head to Stage Fort Park, named after Stage Fort - a remodeled Civil War fort. The park has two beaches, picnic areas, a seasonal restaurant, and accommodations for guests with scenic ocean views. Good Harbor Beach is another lovely destination to swim, hold picnics, sunbathe, kayak, and admire the Atlantic Ocean.  

Northampton

History cannot forget Northampton, as the town once hosted an iconic religious event. Perched on the west end of the Connecticut River in Pioneer Valley, this city was home to the 1734 Great Awakening. This massive revival spread Christianity across the US and the UK. Today, the home church of Jonathan Edwards, who championed the First Great Awakening, is in Northampton, known as the "First Church" on Main Street. For religious and history lovers, this should be a first stop. More sights of history and Colonial Revival Homes are available at the Roundhill Historic District. Afterward, head to the Connecticut River for boating adventures, or its extension, The Oxbow, home to many migratory birds such as kingfisher, egret, and osprey. 

Chatham

Chatham is a beautiful seaside town in Cape Cod dating back to 1664 when its first English settlers found it. It was once a fishing settlement but is now a summer resort haven famous for its beaches and lighthouses. One is the Chatham Lighthouse Beach, whose elegant lighthouse stands tall in Cape Cod. Tour the interiors of this magnificent lighthouse to learn about its role in guiding ships sailing on Cape Cod and admire ocean views from its top. Other beaches to explore include Pleasant Bay, Oyster Pond, and Cockle Cove. The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Monomoy Island is another exciting place to visit. This refuge for migratory birds also has its lighthouse - the Monomoy Point Light.

Salem

Salem is a famous town located on the north coast of Massachusetts in Greater Boston. This town is renowned for the famous Salem Witch Trials in 1692, which led to the execution of 30 people accused of witchcraft. The Witch House, home to one of the witch trials investigators, Jonathan Corwin,  is the only site directly associated with the Witch Trials and is a must-see. Other historic museums in Salem to visit include Peabody Essex Museum, Pioneer Village, and Salem Maritime National Historic Site. After touring its numerous historical sites, visitors cool off at Salem Willows, a small oceanfront park named after the small forest of willow trees it bears. The park has a boardwalk featuring many restaurants, a scenic pier, two beaches, and picnic areas. 

Lexington

Lexington is a historic Massachusetts town north of Boston, renowned for the Battles of Lexington and that of Concord, its neighbor. It was in this town, at the Lexington Common, that the first shot that led to the American Revolutionary War in 1775 was fired. The Lexington Common, or Battle of Green, is still a popular tourist attraction in Lexington. The town also shares the 900-acre Minute Man National Historic Park with Concord, where one can explore everything about the American Revolutionary War. For some recreational pursuits, visit the Old Reservoir, which once supplied the town with water but now houses a swimming pool and picnic areas and serves as an ice skating rink in winter. 

Concord

Concord is a historic town, alongside Lexington, that initiated the American Revolutionary War in 1775. The Concord Museum is an excellent place to explore artifacts of this iconic war, including a recreation of the library of the famous author Ralph Waldo Emerson. A famous historic attraction in the town is Minute Man National Historical Park, reminiscent of the opening battle in the American Revolutionary War. A 5-mile Battle Road Trail leads to Lexington in the park to explore, featuring a colonial landscape and many historic buildings. Away from history, Egg Rock - a small egg-shaped rocky island at the confluence of Assabet and Sudbury Rivers is a fascinating landmark destination. 

A Journey Through Massachusetts' Historic Towns

Massachusetts is remarkably historic as it was part of the early foundations of modern America. The Revolutionary Wars gave the US sovereignty from the British, and two towns - Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, were at the center of this feat. Beyond these two towns, several others like those on this list are also dipped in history, with many museums, colonial districts, and scenic natural attractions to offer. History buffs would find these small towns irresistible, and even beyond their historic allure, they flaunt natural attractions like beaches and wildlife.