Historical Markers in
Plymouth County, Massachusetts

1630-1930 Abraham Lincoln Alden House Historic Site Alexander Scammell America's Hometown America's Oldest Maintained Cemetery America’s First Street America’s Hometown at the Heart of Plymouth County Bastion C Battery Bartlett Bernice James DePasquali Brewster Gardens British Marine Burial Site Brockton Railroad Viaducts and Bridges Bumpus Park Burial Hill Capt. James Bartlett House Captain Myles Standish Coles Hill Cole’s Hill Commemorating Mattapoisett's Shipbuilders Cudworth House Daniel Webster Tablet Dr. Samuel Fuller Early Boundary Line Edward Doty Elder William Brewster Ezra Weston First Burying Ground of Mayflower Passengers First Fort First House Built by the Pilgrims First Meeting House First Meetinghouse First Training Field Fort Independence Gannett’s Corner Gold Star Mothers Monument Gurnet Fortifications Hingham Massachusetts Homestead of Captain Myles Standish House of Isaac Doten Hull Hull James Cole James Warren John Alden John Boyle O'Reilly John Boyle O'Reilly House Joseph Tribble House Leyden Street Lt. William Haswell House Major William Bradford Mann Historical Museum Massasoit Mattapoisett Wharves Memorial Stones of John and Priscilla Alden Men of Kent Cemetery Metacomet (King Philip) Mordecai Lincoln Mill and Homestead Mr. Thomas Clarke Nathan Cushing Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House National Day of Mourning Ned's Point Light North River Bridge Old Fort Old Marshfield Training Field Old Scituate Lighthouse Old Ship Church Old Stockbridge Grist Mill On North River On This Lot Paragon Park Philip Delano Pilgrim Maiden Pilgrim Memorial State Park Plymouth Rock Plymouth Waterfront POW/MIA Memorial Powder House Reverend Peter Hobart Reynolds-Maxwell Garden Robert Cushman Samuel Lincoln House Satuit Brook Shipyard Center Site of an 1621 House Site of First Church Site of First School House Site of Ford's Store Site of Nook Gate Site of Point School Site of Second Meeting House Site of Stockbridge Mansion Site of the First Church Site of Tide Grist Mills Strangers Corner Tercentenary Cannons The Beginning of the Bradford House The Brig Independence The Church of Scrooby Leyden and the Mayflower The Common House The Frazier Memorial State Pier The Italian Freighter Etrusco The National Monument to the Forefathers The Old Oaken Bucket The Old Powder House The Town House of Plymouth The Wading Place The "Dark Arch" Third Cliff Tree of Knowledge Tremont Nail Factory Unitarian Controversy of 1801 Veterans Memorial Vietnam War Memorial War Memorial War Memorial Wareham Bicentennial War Memorial Wareham War Memorial Wareham World War I Monument Warham Cotton Factory Memorial Welcome to Pilgrim Memorial State Park Welcome to the Old Burial Ground, c. 1632-1787 Welcome to the Old Burying Ground, c. 1632-1787 William Bradford William Brewster’s Homestead Williams-Barker House “Don’t Give Up The Ship”
The Boston Molasses Disaster occurred in 1919 when a large tank of molasses burst and flooded the streets of Boston's North End, killing 21 people and injuring 150.
Plymouth County, Massachusetts has a rich and significant history that dates back to the early years of European settlement in America. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag people who had a close relationship with the Pilgrims.

In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower and established Plymouth Colony, marking the first permanent European settlement in New England. The Pilgrims faced numerous challenges, including harsh winters and conflicts with the Native Americans. Despite these challenges, they managed to create a thriving community and establish democratic principles that would influence the development of the United States.

As the years went by, Plymouth County grew and played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The town of Marshfield in Plymouth County was home to many important figures of the time, including John and Abigail Adams, who played key roles in the revolutionary movement. The county also saw the birth of other notable historical figures, such as Isaac Winslow, a prominent military leader during the French and Indian War.

During the 19th century, Plymouth County experienced significant industrial growth, thanks to the expansion of industries like shipbuilding, textiles, and manufacturing. The county's coastal location made it an ideal location for these industries to flourish. At the same time, Plymouth County became a popular tourist destination due to its historical significance, particularly in Plymouth, where the Pilgrim story attracted many visitors.

Today, Plymouth County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant community. It is home to beautiful coastal towns, suburban neighborhoods, and rural areas that provide a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. The county remains an important cultural and historical hub, with numerous museums and landmarks dedicated to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Plymouth County, Massachusetts.

  • 1620: Pilgrims from England establish Plymouth Colony, making it the first permanent European settlement in New England.
  • 1692: Plymouth Colony merges with Massachusetts Bay Colony to form the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
  • 1712: Plymouth County is officially established as a county within the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
  • 1774: Plymouth County residents form a Committee of Correspondence to coordinate opposition to British rule.
  • 1783: The Treaty of Paris officially ends the Revolutionary War, securing American independence from Britain and affecting Plymouth County residents.
  • 1820: Massachusetts becomes the 23rd state, and Plymouth County remains part of the new state.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Plymouth County residents enlist and participate in the conflict.
  • 1895: The Old Colony Railroad, connecting Plymouth County with Boston and other areas, is completed.
  • 1959: Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, the first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States, begins operation in Plymouth County.
  • 2010: The population of Plymouth County reaches approximately 494,919 residents.