History of Bourne, Massachusetts, USA

Bourne was first settled in 1640 by Ezra Perry as a part of the town of Sandwich.

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1884 - Bourne is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Bourne Massachusetts, 1890
Bourne occupies the northwest extremity of Cape Cod and Barnstable County, and is about 56 miles from Boston, on the Old Colony Railroad. The stations are Buzzard's Bay, Bourne and Bournedale, on the main line, and Monument Beach, Pocasset, Wenaumet, Cataumet, and Sagamore on the Woods Holl Branch. All these are post-offices except Wenaumet.

The town is bounded on the north by Wareham and Plymouth, on the east by Cape Cod Bay and Sandwich, south by Falmouth, and west by various bodies of water forming the eastern extremity of Buzzard's Bay. The harbors are Buttermilk Bay, Red Brook Harbor, Cataumet Harbor, and Back River Harbor. The last is near on the south of Monument River, and forms the western terminus of Cape Cod Canal. Wenaumet Neck, on which there is a lighthouse, projects southwesterly into Buzzard's Bay, having Bassett's and Scraggy Neck islands on the south and Burgess or Tobey's Island on the north. The town is 11 miles long by 5 wide. The assessed area is 23,472 acres, ... Read MORE...

1893 - JOE JEFFERSON'S RESIDENCE BURNED.
BUZZARDS BAY, Mass., April 1. - The beautiful summer residence of Joseph Jefferson, the actor, was totally destroyed by fire this afternoon. HELEN McGRATH, the cook, perished in the flames. Several of the help received serious injuries. Mrs. Jefferson and other members of the family escaped uninjured. The fire was caused by an explosion of gasoline in the cellar. It is estimated that $150,000 worth of paintings were consumed, and that the total loss will be $250,000.
The State
Columbia, South Carolina
April 2, 1893

1895 - Bourne
Bourne, a post-town of Barnstable co: Mass, with a station on the Old Colony Railroad, about 17 miles W. of Barnstable. Pop. in 1890, 1442.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1916
Bourne, a post-town of Barnstable co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R.. about 17 miles W. of Barnstable. The banking point is Wareham. Pop. in 1900, 1657.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Bourne:
1. Cape Cod Canal:
Take a scenic stroll or bike ride along the Cape Cod Canal. There are paths on both sides, offering beautiful views of the water, bridges, and passing boats.

2. Scusset Beach State Reservation:
Relax and enjoy the sun at Scusset Beach. It's a lovely spot for picnics, swimming, and beachcombing.

3. Bourne Scenic Park:
A great place for family outings. It has picnic areas, playgrounds, and access to the canal for fishing.

4. Gray Gables Market:
Visit this local market for fresh produce, sandwiches, and other goodies. Perfect for a picnic or to grab supplies for your Cape Cod adventure.

5. Wings Neck Lighthouse:
Take a scenic drive to Wings Neck Lighthouse. While you can't go inside, the view of the lighthouse against the Cape Cod Bay is breathtaking.

6. Hiking at Four Ponds Conservation Area:
If you love hiking, check out Four Ponds Conservation Area. It offers trails through wooded areas and around ponds, providing a serene escape.

7. National ... Read MORE...