History of Westport, Massachusetts, USA

1670 - Westport is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1787 - Westport is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Westport
Westport, Massachusetts
Bristol county. This town is pleasantly situated on Acoakset river, near the mouth of Buzzard's bay, on the line of Rhode Island; 18 miles N.N.E. from Newport, 25 S. from Fall River, 10 S.W. from New Bedford, and 60 S. from Boston. Five vessels belong to this place, engaged in the whaling business, and a number of small vessels are employed in coasting and fishing.

The value of whale oil imported into Westport, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $53,670. The value of the manufactures of this town, the same year, was $69,375; they consisted of cotton yarn, salt, and hoes. The number of sheep sheared that year was 2,392; value of the wool, $2,551. This town was incorporated in 1787. Population, in 1837, 2,618.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - WESTPORT. [Pop. 2,820. Inc. 1787.]
Westport, the western part of the county, lies on an arm of the sea, at the mouth of Buzzard's Bay.

It was formerly a part of the town of Dartmouth.

Some attention is paid to the Whale Fishery, and to the manufacture of cotton cloth and yarn.

Distance from New Bedford, 8 miles; from Taunton, 25; and from Boston, 60.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1849 - A fire occurred at Westport, Massachusetts, last night, in which a woman and her children were burnt to death.

The Sun
Baltimore, Maryland
January 4, 1849

1851 - Among the petitions in the House on Monday, were two by Mr. Fowler, on of B. B. Sisson, C. A. Church, and 204 other citizens of Westport, Massachusetts,
praying for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law, and another of Mrs. Lydia Winslow and 172 other females of the same town, praying for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law.
The Liberator
Boston, Massachusetts
January 3, 1851

1854 - Westport
Westport, a post-township in Bristol co., Massachusetts. 55 miles S. from Boston. The village is situated on both sides of the Acossett river, near its entrance into the mouth of Buzzards' bay. It contains 3 or 4 churches and several stores. The inhabitants are extensively engaged in the whaling business. Population. 2795.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1863 - A turtle was found recently on the farm of Wm. Allen, in Westport, Mass., with the initials of Weston Allen, Humphrey Allen, and David Allen, cut on its shell.
There was one date 171- - the last figure undecipherable - and one of 1787. The same turtle was found on the same farm about twelve years ago.
The Times-Picayune
New Orleans, Louisiana
July 15, 1863

1864 - A LONG ABSENCE
Nathaniel Woodell, of Westport, Massachusetts, who mysteriously disappeared in 1816, has returned after an absence of forty seven and a half years looking hale and rugged though more than eighty years old. He has been wandering about the western country ever since his unceremonious leave taking.
Semi-Weekly Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
January 20, 1864

1887 - Mare Returns Home
The valuable gray mare recently sold cheap to a Westport, Mass., farmer by the horse railroad company of Fall River, surprised her former friends by trotting into the barn in the latter city the other day with a tattered harness hanging to her. The barn employes tried to drive her out, but she made for her old stall and threatened to make things lively for any one seeking to dislodge her. Nothing has been heard of the new owner, and whether the excitable mare made a meal on him or kicked him and his thrashing machine into Westport harbor, is not yet ascertained.
The Fort Wayne Sentinel
Fort Wayne, Indiana
September 20, 1887

Westport Massachusetts, 1890
Westport is a large agricultural town, with some manufactures, forming the southwest corner of Bristol County, adjoining Rhode Island. The extreme length of the territory, north and south, is about 15 miles; and the width about 5 miles. The assessed area is 28,529 acres. Fall River bounds it on the north, Dartmouth on the east, Buzzard's Bay on the south, and Tiverton and Little Compton, in Rhode Island, on the west. The woodland embraces 10,735 acres; the trees being chiefly oak and maple. Parts of Watuppa Pond and Sandy Pond, connected at the south, divide the land of the northern section from that of other towns on the west. Acoaxet River enters it at the northeast from Dartmouth; and on, this stream, on the line between the towns, is the village called Westport Factory or Westport Mills. Acoaxet River West Branch enters at the southwest, and joins the main river on the north of Horse Neck. Each stream becomes a broad arm of the sea for about 3 miles, and both here contain many... Read MORE...

1894 - Westport (Mass.) will offer a reward of $10 for each fox killed by an inhabitant of the town.

The Lowell Sun
Lowell, Massachusetts
April 2, 1894

1895 - Westport
West'port, a post-village in Westport township, Bristol co., Mass., on a small river, 7 miles W. of New Bedford, and 8 miles S.E. of Fall River. It has 3 churches, a high school, and manufactures of carriages, batts, and twine. The township is bounded on the S. by the Atlantic Ocean, and contains Central Village and Westport Point. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2599.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1899 - Westport
Westport. - This was the fourteenth town formed in Bristol county. It was formerly a part of old Dartmouth and was set off and incorporated July 2, 1878. On February 25, 1793, a small tract of Dartmouth was annexed; a second tract was annexed on February 28, 1795, and a third on March 4, 1805. The change made in 1862 in the boundary between the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island added certain lands to this town. The boundary between Fall River and Westport was finally fixed June 14, 1894. West port is the southeast corner town in the county and is bounded on the north by Fall River, on the east by dartmouth, on the south by Buzzard's Bay, and on the west by Little Compton and Tiverton, R. I. The town contains a population of 2,678 by the census of 1895, and 511 registered voters by the census of 1897. It forms a part of the Thirteenth Congressional District, and with the First and Second wards of Fall River forms the Ninth Representative District, with 5,402 legal voters,... Read MORE...

1906
Westport, a post-village in Westport township (town), Bristol co., Mass., 7 miles W. of New Bedford. It has manufactures of carpet-warp and batting. The town is bounded on the S. by the Atlantic Ocean. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2980 ; of the village, about 700.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1909 - Killed His Wife, Then Ended His Life in the Police Station
Westport, Mass, Man, Crazed by Drink, Used an Old Indian Tomahawk in Murdering Woman
New Bedford, Mass., July 26. - Waylaying his wife on a lonely road and striking her down with a tomahawk, Robert E. Fanning, of Westport, fled to his home, wrote to the chief of police at New Bedford, in which he blessed his dead wife, drove to New Bedford, delivered the letter and then, in the presence of three police officers, blew out his brains, dying almost instantly...
The Indiana Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania
July 26, 1909

1911 - Duck Hunters Drown
Westport, Mass., Dec. 29 - The drowning of three men who left their homes here yesterday afternoon to go duck hunting became known today. A searching party today found their boat floating, bottom up.
Reading Times
Reading, Pennsylvania
December 30, 1911

1915 - A South Westport (Mass.) couple, married fifty-two years, have not spoken to each other in fifty years and are reported to have lived together happily all that time nevertheless.

The Princeton Union
Princeton, Minnesota
July 22, 1915

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor exploring the area, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Westport. Here's a list of some of the top attractions and activities:
Horseneck Beach State Reservation:

Horseneck Beach is one of the most popular spots in Westport. It offers a pristine sandy shoreline, calm waters, and excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also walking trails and a campground nearby.

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery:

If you're a wine enthusiast, don't miss a visit to Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery. You can take a tour of the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, sample some fantastic local wines.

Westport Point:

This historic village is a charming place to explore. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. You can also watch fishing boats come and go from the picturesque harbor.

Westport Town Farm:

For a taste of Westport's agricultural heritage, head to Westport Town Farm. This scenic spot features walking trails, gardens, and opportunities to learn about... Read MORE...