Massachusetts Historical Attractions

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts played a formative role in American history. It was part of the original Thirteen Colonies, and five signers of the US Declaration of Independence hailed from Massachusetts. It was also a center for Pilgrim settlements, Puritan values and Yankee pride. From Algonquian tribal roots, to the Mayflower to Cape Cod lighthouses, the area is brimming with history and personality. Traveling to this region provides endless possibilities to delve into American culture and history. Guided tours, museums and unique architecture are all within arms reach, along with a whirlwind of significant historic attractions, with several general points of interest. The following is a guide to the mighty state's history and the sites that represent it.

The Mayflower Replica, Mayflower II, is Harbored in Plymouth, Massachusetts.1

PLYMOUTH

In 1620, this municipality was established as the second permanent English speaking settlement in the United States. Plymouth harbor was the final stop of the Mayflower on December 17, 1620, when it was derailed from its original destination of Virginia by storms. The area was named after a region in England from which the ship had sailed. Many notable events occurred in this town, including the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, when the Pilgrims celebrated their successful harvest. In 1741, a descendant of the Mayflower Pilgrims identified Plymouth Rock as the original landing site of that first expedition. After several relocations, Plymouth Rock was moved back to the town's shore in 1921.

Pilgrim Memorial State Park is the stage on which the historic boulder is displayed. Although the smallest state park in Massachusetts, it is the most frequently visited. Located along Water Street, the park pays homage to the brave forefathers who paved the way for modern American civilizations. The boulder constantly draws a large crowd of tourists, looking to immerse themselves in the heritage of Plymouth Rock. Also on the grounds is the National Monument to the Forefathers, a granite statue that represents faith, freedom, morality, law and education, with a large standing figure representing faith, and a smaller one representing the latter sentiments. Sculpted by Joseph Archie, the monument faces northeast on the harbor, toward Plymouth, England and bears the names of the men aboard the Mayflower.

To further commemorate the epic journey of the Mayflower passengers, a replica of the ship was created during the 1950s in England. Upon its completion, the Mayflower II sailed across the Atlantic and now rests at the State Pier. The replica maintains complete authenticity, except for electric lights, and visitors can meet staff in period costumes for an account of life aboard the legendary ship.

The Plimoth Plantation is another example of living history that celebrates the early American settlers. It is a re-creation of the first Pilgrim colony, circa 1627, complete with street plots, tools and furnishings based on sources, accounts, articles and paintings from the era. The museum staff are trained to act, dress and speak like 17th-century Pilgrims and interact with their strange visitors from the future. The calendar year 1627 is acted out day to day from March to November, the months during which the museum is open to the public. Nearby, there is a re-creation of a Wampanoag settlement, where First Nations representatives educate visitors about the interaction between their ancestors and the Pilgrims. A barn, cinema, visitor's center and Colonial education site are also on the grounds.

Plymouth is appropriately nicknamed America's hometown, and despite its growth over the centuries, has yet to be incorporated as a city.

	The 1797 Highland Light in Truro is the Oldest in Cape Cod. 2

CAPE COD

The arm-shaped peninsula off the eastern coast of Massachusetts makes up the serene community of Cape Cod. This region holds a stake in North American history, presumed to be “Promontory of Vinland” as described by the Norse voyagers during their 985 to 1025 journey. The Cape was also visited by explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano, Esteban Gomez, Bartholomew Gosnold (who named it Cape Cod), Samuel de Champlain, Henry Hudson and John Smith. It was purchased by the federal government in 1928. Today, it is a haven for cottagers trying to escape the several urban metropolises within driving distance.

The lighthouse is a nationally recognized symbol representing Cape Cod. Since the earliest days, the unstable ocean conditions have made it necessary for ships to be warned of the surrounding dangers. These majestic shining beacons represent hope and safety and illustrate the region's diverse history. The Highland Light in Truro is of particular interest, as the oldest on the Cape. When it was first built in 1797, it was the brightest on the Atlantic coast. The station itself was authorized by none other than George Washington and was used to warn sailors of the hazardous coastline between Cape Ann and Nantucket. In 1850, the original wooden structure was replaced by a stone one and the last replacement took place in 1857. In 1996, the lighthouse was moved back from the coastline because it was in danger of erosion. Legend has it that the lighthouse guided as many as 1,200 ships within 10 days at the ship industry's peak in 1853, as recorded by the keeper. A guided tour of the lighthouse will yield a historical lecture and a trip up the 59 steps. At the top, a panoramic view of Provincetown and the Atlantic Ocean awaits.

The village of Hyannis has been the location of the Kennedy family compound for four generations. It was here that JFK accepted his run for office, reconnected with his family and hosted prominent political friends. It is no surprise that Hyannis developed a museum in the prestigious politician's honor. The JFK Museum features four rooms of photos and memorabilia that illustrate Kennedy's life on the Cape. The museum is open year round and showcases different exhibits that are constantly changing.

In addition to sailing and the Kennedy's, Cape Cod is also known for its beautiful beaches. The most historic spot lies at Marconi Beach Road in Wellfleet. This beach was the location of the first transatlantic wireless transmission from the United States. In 1903, Guglielmo Marconi managed to send a greeting message from Theodore Roosevelt to King Edward VII in the United Kingdom. This beach is the exact location of the station Marconi established in 1902. Also worth a visit, is the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center. Located in North Chatham, this is the site of the only remaining Marconi-built wireless station circa 1914. The 13-acre (5.3-ha.) site boasts ten original buildings and manicured grounds with plenty of mature trees.

A "Haunted" Cemetery in Salem.. 3

SALEM

The city of Salem is known around the world for the infamous witch trials between 1692 and 1693. During this time over 150 people were arrested, 29 convicted, 19 hanged and one crushed to death in Salem Town, Salem Village, Ipswitch and Andover. Starting with the affliction of the Parris girls, people in surrounding villages began having screaming and contorting fits, unexplained by doctors. The accused were social outcasts with nobody to defend them. The matters soon went to court and until 1693, Massachusetts was a whirlwind of accusations, witch hunts and debates. This dark chapter of local history is the base for tourism in Salem.

The Corwin House is the only remaining structure directly related to the Salem Witch Trials. It was the residence of Jonathan Corwin, a local magistrate who investigated witchcraft accusations and served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer. The home was built between 1642 and 1675 and Corwin is buried nearby at the Broad Street Cemetery. During the 1940s, the house was moved from its original location to allow for street widening. Today, the house is a museum with a wealth of resources and information about the political, religious and period circumstances that led to and affected the trials. Guided and self-guided tours are available.

A cluster of local museums capture the bewitching spirit of Salem. The New England Pirate Museum tells tales of Captain Blackbeard, Bellamy and others who roamed the Gold Coast (Boston's north shore) during the 1600s. A recreated dockside village, ship and batcave are some points of interest, all guided by buccaneers in costume. The Witch Dungeon Museum transports visitors to a 1692 witch trial, reenacted by professional actors and based on actual court transcripts, while the Witch History Museum takes guests through the events leading up to the trials with a walk through a haunted forest.

	The Village of Deerfield on a Sunny Winter Day. 4

THE VILLAGE PEOPLE

There are several historical villages in Massachusetts. Authentic Colonial artifacts and resources enable visitors to truly experience the village life. Historic Deerfield is a 330-year-old street with 11 museum houses and more than 25,000 artifacts and objects from a booming New England town. The Flynt Center of Early New England Life, library and Museum Store are some other resources located on-site. Situated in central Massachusetts, Deerfield is certainly worth a visit.

The fully-functioning Old Sturbridge Village is a similar attraction, with a cast of historical interpreters that guide visitors through a rural New England village. Residential homes, stores, a bank, blacksmith shop, sawmill and a school are among the features. The staff reenact the struggles faced by New Englanders during the 1700s and 1800s, such as emigration, urbanization, social change and a rise in manufacturing.

New England farm life is accurately portrayed at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury. This farm was built in 1690 and features an opulent country estate and farm animals. Tours promote hands-on farm activities, archaeological explorations and architectural discovery. A museum shop and visitor center complete the idyllic picture.

A Postage Stamp Commemorates the Boston Tea Party.5

CRADLE OF LIBERTY

A historic tour of Massachusetts would not be complete without a visit to Boston, the center of progressive social change during the 1700s and 1800s. There are several important historic landmarks in the city and many of them are linked on the Freedom Trail. A journey along this pedestrian path will reveal much of Boston's role in Colonial American history. Conceived in 1958 by a Bostonian journalist, the trail features the first public school, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and Copp's Hill Burial Ground, among others.

A similar attraction is the Black Heritage Trail, which winds through the Beacon Hill region of the city. In 1783, Massachusetts became the first US state to declare slavery illegal. As a result, a settlement of escapees from southern plantations settled in Beacon Hill. More than 15 pre-Civil War sites are located on the trail, including the Museum of African American History, the African Meeting House and several historic homes.

In December of 1773, a group of rebellious Patriots disguised as Mohawks marched to Griffin's Wharf, where they boarded three docked ships and proceeded to dump the precious tea cargo into the ocean. This radical act sparked the beginning of the Revolutionary War and put the Boston Tea Party into history books all over the world. To commemorate this important event, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum was created in 1973. Three renovated historic ships represent the events of that fateful night. Interactive exhibits, educational activities and food service are also part of the attraction. Special touches like the Tea Party Gazette depict the events leading up to December 16, 1773.

1. Mayflower II; Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA
2. Highland Light; Truro, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
3. Haunted Cemetary; Salem, Massachusetts, USA
4. Historic Deerfield; Deerfield Village, Massachusetts, USA
5. Boston Tea Party Stamp; Boston, Massachusetts, USA