History of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA

1651 - West Bridgewater is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1822 - West Bridgewater is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - West Bridgewater
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Plymouth county. This is the second daughter of the venerable Bridgewater, who found it difficult to find names for her progeny. This daughter was born in 1822, and although not so stout as her sisters, is healthy, comely and industrious. The manufactures of West Bridgewater consist of iron castings, shovels, forks, hoes, ploughs, boots and shoes: annual value, about $100,000. West Bridgewater is supplied with mill privileges by a branch of Taunton river, and is 25 miles S. from Boston, 19 N.W. from Plymouth, and 9 N.N.E. from Taunton. The number of her children in 1837, was 1,145; increase in 7 years, 103.

In 1820, ancient Bridgewater contained 5,662 children: the whole family, in 1837, consisted of 7,865 members.
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 - WEST BRIDGEWATER. [Pop. 1,201. Inc. 1822.]
This town was the oldest settlement of Ancient Bridgewater, and the first interior settlement in the colony of Plymouth.

A branch of Taunton River gives it some valuable mill sites.

The inhabitants valiantly defended the town in Philip's War, and suffered less than many that were less exposed. It has manufactures of shoes and iron.

Distance from Plymouth, 19 miles ; from Boston, 25.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - West Bridgewater
West Bridgewater, a post-township in Plymouth co., Massachusetts, on Fall River railroad, 26 miles S. from Boston. Pop., 1447.
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.

1890 West Bridgewater Massachusetts
West Bridgewater, one of our oldest settlements, is situated in the northwesterly part of Plymouth County, 25 miles south of Boston. The main line of the Old Colony Railroad skirts the eastern border, with stations at Matfield and Satucket; sending from the former a branch to Easton, which bas stations at West Bridgewater centre and Cochesett. The last two places and Matfield are the post-offices. The other village is Jerusalem.

The town is bounded on the north by Brockton, on the east by East Bridgewater, on the south by Bridgewater, and on the west by Easton. The assessed area is 9,822 acres; of which 2,890 are wood-land, containing pine, maple, oak and birch. The underlying rock is sienitic and carboniferous. The surface is remarkably even, with a gentle inclination toward the south. Nearly 1,000 acres are in swale, or wet meadow, which produces a valuable hay-crop. The soil is generally a sandy loam. The town is drained by Salisbury-Plain River in the northeastern, Town River... Read MORE...

1906
West Bridgewater, a post-village in West Bridge- water township (town), Plymouth co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 25 miles S. of Boston. It has an iron-foundry, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1711 ; of the village, about 750.
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

West Bridgewater, Massachusetts may be a small town, but there are still plenty of charming places to visit and things to do. Let's explore some options:
Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area:

If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, the Hockomock Swamp is a great place to explore. It's the largest freshwater swamp in Massachusetts and offers hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.

Matfield Maple Farm:

Visit Matfield Maple Farm for a sweet experience. It's a family-owned business that produces pure maple syrup. You can learn about the maple syrup-making process and, of course, purchase some delicious syrup to take home.

War Memorial Park:

For a relaxing afternoon, check out War Memorial Park. It's a great spot for a picnic, with open spaces and recreational facilities for families and individuals alike.

Stump Brook Park:

Stump Brook Park is another lovely green space in West Bridgewater. It has walking trails, a pond, and a playground, making it a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll or some family fun.

Olde Scotland Links:

Golf enthusiasts can head to Olde Scotland Links, a public golf course with... Read MORE...