History of Kingston, Massachusetts, USA

1620 - Kingston / Plymouth is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1726 - Kingston is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Kingston
Kingston, Massachusetts
Plymouth county. This town lies within Plymouth harbor, 4 miles N.W. from Plymouth, and 31 S.E. from Boston. Kingston has a good harbor, a considerable stream of water and some excellent land. There are a number of vessels engaged in the coasting trade, and some in foreign commerce. Many vessels are built here of the south shore white oak, noted for its strength and durability. During the year ending April 1, 1837, there were 19 vessels engaged in the cod and mackerel fishery. They took 14,214 quintals of cod fish, and 886 barrels of mackerel, the value of which amounted to $48,590. There is a cotton mill in Kingston, and manufactures of bar iron, nails, axes, cutlery, anchors, leather, shoes, palm-leaf hats, and shingles: total value in one year $105,302. Monk's hill presents an excellent view of Plymouth harbor. Kingston was incorporated in 1726. Population, 1837, 1,371.
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 - KINGSTON. [Pop. 1,440. Inc. 1726.]
Kingston, while a part of Plymouth, was called Jones River
Parish, after Captain Jones of the May Flower, the vessel that brought over the first settlers.

This village was the residence of John Thomas, a Major-General
in the revolutionary army, who succeeded to the command of the
troops before Quebec, after the death of Montgomery, and died soon
after of the small pox.

Kingston pays some attention to ship-building, the fisheries, and
to manufactures in iron.

Distance from Plymouth, 4 miles ; from Boston, 31
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Kingston
Kingston, a post-village of Plymouth co., Massachusetts, on Jones' river, and on the Old Colony railroad, 33 miles S. S. E. from Boston. It contains 3 churches, several stores, and from 50 to 60 dwellings. Population of the township, 1591.
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.

1869 - Mr. Caleb Bates, of Kingston, Mass., has recently presented the New England Farmer with some sweet potatoes.
He has raised them successfully for several years, and keeps them in good condition during eight months of the year.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 20, 1869

1869 - The landing of the Franco-American cable was appropriately celebrated at Kingston, Mass., on the 27th, by a grand banquet.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 7, 1869

Kingston Massachusetts, 1890
Kingston is an ancient seaboard town in the easterly part of Plymouth County, 33 miles southeast of Boston by the Old Colony Railroad. On its north are Pembroke and Duxbury; on the east, the latter and Kingston Bay; Plymouth lies on the southeast, and Plympton and Halifax on the southwest and west. The assessed area is 10,583 acres, including 5,148 acres of woodland.

The town has a good harbor for small vessels, which opens into Duxbury and Plymouth Bay. Silver Lake (formerly Jones River Pond) lies partly in the northwestern corner, and partly in the towns of Pembroke, Halifax and Plympton, here adjoining. From it flows Jones River southeastward to the harbor; receiving on the north, Miles, Tusseck and Pine brooks, and on the south, Jones-River Brook and Smelt Brook. Several other beautiful ponds in different parts of the town impart life and variety to the scenery. Great Indian, Muddy and Smelt ponds, in the southern part of the town, range in size from 60 to about 100 acres. The... Read MORE...

1895 - Kingston
Kingston, a post-village of Plymouth co., Mass., on the Plymouth Branch of the Old Colony Railroad, at the junction of the Duxbury & Cohassett Railroad, and on Jones' River, 33 miles S.S.E. of Boston. It has a high school and a town hall. Kingston township borders on the Atlantic Ocean, and has 3 churches, manufactures of anchors, augers, rivets, locks, tacks, &c., and a pop, in 1890 of 1659
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

1916
Kingston, a post- village of Plymouth co., Mass., on the Jones River, 33 miles SSE. of Boston, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. Kingston township (town) borders on the Atlantic Ooean and has manufactures of tacks, etc. ; pop. in 1900, 1955.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1921 - RAILS KILL 4 CHILDREN IN TROLLEY ACCIDENT. FALLING ARM CAUSES FEED WIRE TO CHARGE TRACKS ON MASSACHUSETTS LINE.
Kingston, Mass., Sept. 26. - Four school children were killed here today when a trolley arm fell from a car in which they were going to their homes. The arm broke the feed wire, one end of which fell on the rails, charging them so heavily that when the four children rushed from the car, panic stricken, and stepped on them they were instantly killed. Other children were held in the car, though it caught fire, until they were rescued.

The dead are:
NATALIE ROBBINS, 12 years old, daughter of ALTON A. ROBBINS.
RICHARD SLOAN, 9, son of LOUIS SLOAN.
RUTH MILLS, 7, daughter of MRS. ARTHUR WALLACE.
JENNIE BORESCH, 8, daughter of FRANK BORESCH.
All the children lived in Kingston and were on their way home from the lower primary and Maple Avenue grammar schools.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 27, 1921

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Kingston:
1. Gray's Beach Park:
Start your visit with a relaxing stroll at Gray's Beach Park. It's a picturesque spot with a boardwalk that takes you over the marshes. The views are stunning, especially during sunset. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

2. Jones River Trading Post:
For a touch of history and local crafts, head to Jones River Trading Post. This quaint shop features handmade goods, antiques, and gifts. It's a charming place to explore and maybe pick up a unique souvenir.

3. Mayflower Brewing Company:
Craft beer enthusiasts should check out the Mayflower Brewing Company. They offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the brewing process. It's a great way to sample some local flavors and learn about the town's beer-making history.

4. Kingston Collection:
If you're in the mood for shopping, Kingston Collection is the place to be. It's a shopping and entertainment destination with a variety of stores, restaurants, and even a cinema. Perfect for a ... Read MORE...