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History of Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
Also known as(Cedar Crest) (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Duxbury
Duxbury, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA
By the time European settlers arrived in Duxbury, the region was inhabited by the Wampanoags, who called this place Mattakeesett, meaning "place of many fish." kids.kiddle.co
Duxbury includes: Ashdod, Cedar Crest, Gardnerville, Island Creek, Millbrook, Powder Point, and Tinkertown.
By the time European settlers arrived in Duxbury, the region was inhabited by the Wampanoags, who called this place Mattakeesett, meaning "place of many fish." kids.kiddle.co
Duxbury includes: Ashdod, Cedar Crest, Gardnerville, Island Creek, Millbrook, Powder Point, and Tinkertown.
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VINTAGE DUXBURY
Duxbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Crab Island. The Old Southwick House, built 1646){kind=small}
Crab Island. The Old Southwick House, built 1646
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - John Alden House, Built 1653, Duxbury, Mass.
"The John and Priscilla Alden Family Sites is a National Historic Landmark consisting of two separate properties in Duxbury, Massachusetts, United States. Both properties are significant for their association with John Alden, one of the settlers of the Plymouth Colony who came to North America on board the Mayflower, and held numerous posts of importance in the colony. Alden and his relationship with Priscilla Mullins were memorialized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in The Courtship of Miles Standish, a narrative poem that made the story a piece of American folklore.
One of the two properties contains the archaeological remains of the house John Alden built c. 1630, and is also significant in the field of historical archaeology as the mature field work of Roland Wells Robbins (1908-1987), an early historical archaeologist. It is on land owned by the Town of Duxbury. On the second property stands a house which was traditionally dated to c. 1657 as a work by Alden, but is, by forensic analysis, judged to have been built around 1700, probably by John Alden's grandson. This property has been under the continuous ownership of the Alden family; it is now managed by a family foundation as a historic house museum..." wikipedia){kind=small}
John Alden House, Built 1653, Duxbury, Mass.
"The John and Priscilla Alden Family Sites is a National Historic Landmark consisting of two separate properties in Duxbury, Massachusetts, United States. Both properties are significant for their association with John Alden, one of the settlers of the Plymouth Colony who came to North America on board the Mayflower, and held numerous posts of importance in the colony. Alden and his relationship with Priscilla Mullins were memorialized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in The Courtship of Miles Standish, a narrative poem that made the story a piece of American folklore.
One of the two properties contains the archaeological remains of the house John Alden built c. 1630, and is also significant in the field of historical archaeology as the mature field work of Roland Wells Robbins (1908-1987), an early historical archaeologist. It is on land owned by the Town of Duxbury. On the second property stands a house which was traditionally dated to ... Read more
"The John and Priscilla Alden Family Sites is a National Historic Landmark consisting of two separate properties in Duxbury, Massachusetts, United States. Both properties are significant for their association with John Alden, one of the settlers of the Plymouth Colony who came to North America on board the Mayflower, and held numerous posts of importance in the colony. Alden and his relationship with Priscilla Mullins were memorialized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in The Courtship of Miles Standish, a narrative poem that made the story a piece of American folklore.
One of the two properties contains the archaeological remains of the house John Alden built c. 1630, and is also significant in the field of historical archaeology as the mature field work of Roland Wells Robbins (1908-1987), an early historical archaeologist. It is on land owned by the Town of Duxbury. On the second property stands a house which was traditionally dated to ... Read more
Read more about John ALDEN
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Myles Standish House, Built in 1666 - it is claimed to have been built by Alexander Standish, son of Myles Standish, but there are questions about the accuracy of this claim. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.){kind=small}
Myles Standish House, Built in 1666 - it is claimed to have been built by Alexander Standish, son of Myles Standish, but there are questions about the accuracy of this claim. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Read more about Myles STANDISH
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Colonial Inn, Built 1783){kind=small}
Colonial Inn, Built 1783
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Old Department Store, 1912
Old Ford Store and Old Boarding House, built about 1826
Fire destroyed what is believed to be the first department store in America recently, when the old Ford store of Duxbury, Massachusetts burned to the ground. Clipper ships of New England brought goods from Europe and the West Indies for sale over its counters. The store was built in 1826.
The Dearborn Independent
Dearborn, Michigan
November 12, 1921){kind=small}
Old Department Store, 1912
Old Ford Store and Old Boarding House, built about 1826
Fire destroyed what is believed to be the first department store in America recently, when the old Ford store of Duxbury, Massachusetts burned to the ground. Clipper ships of New England brought goods from Europe and the West Indies for sale over its counters. The store was built in 1826.
The Dearborn Independent
Dearborn, Michigan
November 12, 1921
Old Ford Store and Old Boarding House, built about 1826
Fire destroyed what is believed to be the first department store in America recently, when the old Ford store of Duxbury, Massachusetts burned to the ground. Clipper ships of New England brought goods from Europe and the West Indies for sale over its counters. The store was built in 1826.
The Dearborn Independent
Dearborn, Michigan
November 12, 1921
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - House of Fanny Davenport){kind=small}
House of Fanny Davenport
Read more about Fanny Lily Gypsy DAVENPORT
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Town Square, 1905){kind=small}
Town Square, 1905
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Captains Hill, Standish House and Monument, 1905){kind=small}
Captains Hill, Standish House and Monument, 1905
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - The Main Thoroughfare, 1905){kind=small}
The Main Thoroughfare, 1905
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Cable Office, 1907){kind=small}
Cable Office, 1907
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Washington Street, looking North){kind=small}
Washington Street, looking North
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Town Hall and Partridge Academy
Upon his death, George Partridge bequeathed $10,000 to form a private secondary school in Duxbury. This led to the establishment of Patridge Academy which was built on Tremont Street in Duxbury in 1844. The Academy served as the town's only secondary school until the construction of the first Duxbury High School in 1927. Partridge Academy burned in 1933 and its location is now occupied by the Duxbury Town Offices. wikipedia){kind=small}
Town Hall and Partridge Academy
Upon his death, George Partridge bequeathed $10,000 to form a private secondary school in Duxbury. This led to the establishment of Patridge Academy which was built on Tremont Street in Duxbury in 1844. The Academy served as the town's only secondary school until the construction of the first Duxbury High School in 1927. Partridge Academy burned in 1933 and its location is now occupied by the Duxbury Town Offices. wikipedia
Upon his death, George Partridge bequeathed $10,000 to form a private secondary school in Duxbury. This led to the establishment of Patridge Academy which was built on Tremont Street in Duxbury in 1844. The Academy served as the town's only secondary school until the construction of the first Duxbury High School in 1927. Partridge Academy burned in 1933 and its location is now occupied by the Duxbury Town Offices. wikipedia
Read more about George PARTRIDGE
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - The Standish Store from Monument (owned by Alexander Standish)){kind=small}
The Standish Store from Monument (owned by Alexander Standish)
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Powder Point Hall or Knapp School
The Powder Point School for Boys was a private college-preparatory academy operating in Duxbury, Massachusetts between 1893-1926. The school was established by Frederick Bradford Knapp on the former estate of Ezra “King Caesar” Weston, Jr. In 1910 Knapp sold the school to John and Philip Moulton who ran the school, despite a disastrous fire in 1913, until 1926. The school was then merged with Tabor Academy in Marion, MA. After the school closed, the dormitory building was converted into the National Sailor’s Home and the headmaster’s house, also known as the King Caesar House, was sold as a private residence. Today, the King Caesar House is owned by the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society. www.loc.gov){kind=small}
Powder Point Hall or Knapp School
The Powder Point School for Boys was a private college-preparatory academy operating in Duxbury, Massachusetts between 1893-1926. The school was established by Frederick Bradford Knapp on the former estate of Ezra “King Caesar” Weston, Jr. In 1910 Knapp sold the school to John and Philip Moulton who ran the school, despite a disastrous fire in 1913, until 1926. The school was then merged with Tabor Academy in Marion, MA. After the school closed, the dormitory building was converted into the National Sailor’s Home and the headmaster’s house, also known as the King Caesar House, was sold as a private residence. Today, the King Caesar House is owned by the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society. www.loc.gov
The Powder Point School for Boys was a private college-preparatory academy operating in Duxbury, Massachusetts between 1893-1926. The school was established by Frederick Bradford Knapp on the former estate of Ezra “King Caesar” Weston, Jr. In 1910 Knapp sold the school to John and Philip Moulton who ran the school, despite a disastrous fire in 1913, until 1926. The school was then merged with Tabor Academy in Marion, MA. After the school closed, the dormitory building was converted into the National Sailor’s Home and the headmaster’s house, also known as the King Caesar House, was sold as a private residence. Today, the King Caesar House is owned by the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society. www.loc.gov
Read more about Frederick Bradford KNAPP
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Powder Point from Bridge, Duxbury, Mass.){kind=small}
Powder Point from Bridge, Duxbury, Mass.
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Masonic Hall){kind=small}
Masonic Hall
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Church of the Holy Family, built in June of 1934){kind=small}
Church of the Holy Family, built in June of 1934
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - Way Croft Inn
The St. George House Inn and restaurant was located at 576 Washington Street. It was owned by George W. Scott and his wife, Louise. This very successful hotel was one of the only Duxbury businesses operated in the 19th century by a Black couple. Their clientele included summer visitors, but also locals, for example the third meeting of the Duxbury Yacht Club was held here. The Scotts operated the hotel for almost thirty years, c. 1890-1926. After their tenure, it became the Waycroft Inn. duxburyhistory.org){kind=small}
Way Croft Inn
The St. George House Inn and restaurant was located at 576 Washington Street. It was owned by George W. Scott and his wife, Louise. This very successful hotel was one of the only Duxbury businesses operated in the 19th century by a Black couple. Their clientele included summer visitors, but also locals, for example the third meeting of the Duxbury Yacht Club was held here. The Scotts operated the hotel for almost thirty years, c. 1890-1926. After their tenure, it became the Waycroft Inn. duxburyhistory.org
The St. George House Inn and restaurant was located at 576 Washington Street. It was owned by George W. Scott and his wife, Louise. This very successful hotel was one of the only Duxbury businesses operated in the 19th century by a Black couple. Their clientele included summer visitors, but also locals, for example the third meeting of the Duxbury Yacht Club was held here. The Scotts operated the hotel for almost thirty years, c. 1890-1926. After their tenure, it became the Waycroft Inn. duxburyhistory.org
Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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 (South Duxbury) (West Duxbury) - St Margaret's Junior Camp, South Duxbury){kind=small}
St Margaret's Junior Camp, South Duxbury
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to DUXBURY
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MASSACHUSETTS Pride Coffee Cup - Made in Mass “Got Wicked Class” Mug
Show off your Massachusetts pride with a sip of sass! The Made in Mass “Got Wicked Class” Mug delivers local humor and hometown swagger in every cup. Perfect for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, this high-quality ceramic mug comes in 11 oz or 15 oz and is dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for early commutes, porch mornings, or late-night study sessions, it’s a bold, fun reminder of where you’re from—and the attitude that goes with it. A must-have gift for anyone who loves Massachusetts, humor, and a wicked good cup of coffee!
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Duxbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Duxbury through the years.
1624 - Duxbury is settled
1637 - Duxbury is incorporated
1826 - The Ford Store established in 1826 was the first department store in the United States. (Duxbury)
1839 - Duxbury
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Plymouth county. This town lies on Massachusetts bay in Plymouth harbor. It is 29 miles S.E. from Boston and 6 N. from Plymouth. Duxbury affords some good land, a good water power, and a great variety of scenery. Its Indian name was Matakeeset. Ship building, the coasting trade and fisheries is the chief business of the place. In 1837, it had 46 vessels employed in the cod and mackerel fishery, the product of which amounted to $69,548. Value of vessels built, $169,048. The value of woolen cloth, leather, boots, shoes, salt, iron, brass castings and tin ware manufactured, amounted to $105,787. Some attention is paid here to rearing sheep, and the manufacture of cordage.
There is in Duxbury an apple tree noted for its age, size, and fruitfulness. It is upwards of a hundred years old. It is forty feet in height, and its circumference, eight inches from the ground, is 16 feet. Its fruit, in one year, has made 10 barrels of cider, besides 30 bushels for the...
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Plymouth county. This town lies on Massachusetts bay in Plymouth harbor. It is 29 miles S.E. from Boston and 6 N. from Plymouth. Duxbury affords some good land, a good water power, and a great variety of scenery. Its Indian name was Matakeeset. Ship building, the coasting trade and fisheries is the chief business of the place. In 1837, it had 46 vessels employed in the cod and mackerel fishery, the product of which amounted to $69,548. Value of vessels built, $169,048. The value of woolen cloth, leather, boots, shoes, salt, iron, brass castings and tin ware manufactured, amounted to $105,787. Some attention is paid here to rearing sheep, and the manufacture of cordage.
There is in Duxbury an apple tree noted for its age, size, and fruitfulness. It is upwards of a hundred years old. It is forty feet in height, and its circumference, eight inches from the ground, is 16 feet. Its fruit, in one year, has made 10 barrels of cider, besides 30 bushels for the...
1845 - DUXBURY. [Pop. 2,798. Inc. 1637.]
Its Indian name was Mattacheeset. Duxbury is supposed to be derived from Dux, which means Leader, and Borough or Bury ; Miles Standish, the prompt and fearless military Leader, or Dux, of the Puritans, having been one of the earliest settlers of this town. Captain's Hill, so called, was part of his farm.
The first settlement was at the southerly part, near Plymouth. A strip of land, called the Gurnet, shelters the harbor of Duxbury, as well as that of Plymouth from the ocean.
Duxbury is largely engaged in ship-building, in the fisheries, and in the manufacture of boots and shoes.
Distance from Plymouth, 6 miles: from Boston, 29.
The first settlement was at the southerly part, near Plymouth. A strip of land, called the Gurnet, shelters the harbor of Duxbury, as well as that of Plymouth from the ocean.
Duxbury is largely engaged in ship-building, in the fisheries, and in the manufacture of boots and shoes.
Distance from Plymouth, 6 miles: from Boston, 29.
1854 - Duxbury
Duxbury, a post-township of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, on the Atlantic coast, 80 miles S. E. of Boston. The inhabitants are principally engaged in ship-building, commerce, and the fisheries. Population, 2679.
1859
DUXBURY, a township in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 30 m. SSE of Boston. Pop. 2,798.
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Duxbury Massachusetts, 1890
Duxbury, one of the oldest and most notable towns of the State, is situated midway of the eastern shore of Plymouth County. It is 27 miles southeast of Boston on the South-shore Branch of the Old Colony Railroad, and about six miles north of Plymouth, from which it is separated by the town of Kingston and Plymouth Harbor. Its bounding town on the west is Pembroke, on the north and northeast Marshfield, and on the east are Duxbury Bay and the ocean.
The land is generally level, sandy and unproductive; yet there are some very fertile spots, especially at South Duxbury, where it rises into a beautiful and commanding eminence, on which is a monument to the memory of Captain Miles Standish. From this point is a fine view of the village of Duxbury, in which the Unitarian church, the Partridge Academy and the Town House, contrast finely with the deep-green forest on the north; of Duxbury Harbor with picturesque points, — the long, narrow strip of land called Duxbury Beach, which...
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The land is generally level, sandy and unproductive; yet there are some very fertile spots, especially at South Duxbury, where it rises into a beautiful and commanding eminence, on which is a monument to the memory of Captain Miles Standish. From this point is a fine view of the village of Duxbury, in which the Unitarian church, the Partridge Academy and the Town House, contrast finely with the deep-green forest on the north; of Duxbury Harbor with picturesque points, — the long, narrow strip of land called Duxbury Beach, which...
1895 - Duxbury
Dux'bury, a post-village of Plymouth co., Mass., in Duxbury township, on a bay of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the Old Colony Railroad, 38 miles S.S.E. of Boston, and 9 miles by rail N. of Plymouth. It has 4 churches, and is partly supported by fisheries. It contains the Partridge Academy. The township contains West Duxbury hamlet, and has a pop. of 1908. Here the ocean telegraph from Brest, in France, terminates.
1916
Duxbury, a post-village and summer-resort of Plymouth co., Mass., in Duxbury township (town), on a bay of the Atlantic Ocean and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 38 miles SSE. of Boston. It has fishing- industries. It contains the Partridge Academy and the Powder Point and Alden Schools. Here the ocean telegraph from Brest, France, terminates. Pop. in 1900, about 500 ; of the town, 2075.
There are plenty of places to go and things to do in Duxbury. Here's a list:
1. Duxbury Beach Park:
Duxbury Beach is a stunning barrier beach that stretches for miles along the coast. You can spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the shoreline. The beach park also offers picnic areas, dunes, and beautiful views of Duxbury Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for the resident piping plovers and other shorebirds that inhabit the area.
2. Island Creek Oysters:
Duxbury is famous for its oysters, and you can experience the local culinary delight at Island Creek Oysters. They offer tours of their oyster farm, where you can learn about oyster cultivation and, of course, taste some of the freshest oysters you'll ever find. It's a must-visit for seafood lovers.
3. Duxbury Bay Maritime School:
If you're interested in maritime activities, check out the Duxbury Bay Maritime School. They offer a variety of programs, including sailing lessons, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It's a great way to explore the coastal waters and learn about...
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Duxbury Beach is a stunning barrier beach that stretches for miles along the coast. You can spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the shoreline. The beach park also offers picnic areas, dunes, and beautiful views of Duxbury Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for the resident piping plovers and other shorebirds that inhabit the area.
2. Island Creek Oysters:
Duxbury is famous for its oysters, and you can experience the local culinary delight at Island Creek Oysters. They offer tours of their oyster farm, where you can learn about oyster cultivation and, of course, taste some of the freshest oysters you'll ever find. It's a must-visit for seafood lovers.
3. Duxbury Bay Maritime School:
If you're interested in maritime activities, check out the Duxbury Bay Maritime School. They offer a variety of programs, including sailing lessons, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It's a great way to explore the coastal waters and learn about...
GENEALOGY IN DUXBURY
Discover YOUR Roots: Duxbury Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA
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Updated: 9/21/2024 4:37:56 PM
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