National Register Listings in
Plymouth County, Massachusetts

Adams, Frederic C., Public Library Alden, John and Priscilla, Family Sites Bartlett-Russell-Hedge House Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Parsonage Bird Island Light Bradford House Bradford, Capt. Gamaliel, House Bradford, Capt. Gershom, House Bradford, Captain Daniel, House Bradford-Union Street Historic District Brockton City Hall Brockton Edison Electric Illuminating Company Power Station Bryant-Cushing House Camp Kiwanee Historic District Cardinal Cushing Center Historic District Central Fire Station Centre and Montello Streets Historic District Chubbuck, Thomas, Jr., House Clifford-Warren House Cole's Hill Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co. Cove Street Historic District Curtis Building Cushing Homestead Dean, Dr. Edgar Everett, House District 7 School House Duxbury Pier Light East Bridgewater Common Historic District East Rochester Church and Cemetery Historic District Emerson Shoe Company Field, D.W., Park First Baptist Church of Scituate First Parish Church First Parish Church of Plymouth First Trinitarian Congregational Church Forest Avenue School Franklin Block Goldthwaite Block Grand Army of the Republic Hall Graves Light Station Hanover Center Historic District Harlow Old Fort House Harlow, Sgt. William, Family Homestead Hatch Homestead and Mill Historic District Hillside Howard Block Howard Home for Aged Men Howland, Jabez, House Hull Shore Drive, Nantasket Avenue, Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston MPS Island Grove Park National Register District James, Capt. Benjamin, House King Caesar House Kingman, Gardner J., House Kingston Center Historic District Lawson Tower Leonard. Shaw & Dean Shoe Factory Lincoln Historic District Lincoln, Gen. Benjamin, House Lower Union Street Historic District Lyman Block Marshfield Hills Historic District MAYFLOWER II (square-rigged sailing ship) McElwain, William H., School Men of Kent Cemetery Middleborough Center Historic District Middleborough Waterworks Minot's Ledge Light Myles Standish Park and Myles Standish House Site National Monument to the Forefathers Ned Point Light New England Telephone and Telegraph Engineering Office North Abington Depot North Rochester Congregational Church Norwell Village Area Historic District Old Burial Hill Old County Courthouse Old Post Office Building Old Ship Meetinghouse Old Shipbuilder's Historic District Old Town Hall Historic District Packard, Moses, House Paragon Park Carousel Pembroke Friends Meetinghouse Phoenix Building Pierce, Peter, Store Pilgrim Hall Pillsbury Summer House Pinewoods Camp Plymouth Antiquarian House Plymouth Light Station Plymouth Post Office Building Plymouth Rock Plymouth Village Historic District Plympton Village Historic District Point Allerton Lifesaving Station Reed, H.R., House Rockland Almshouse Rockland High School Rockland Memorial Library Rockland Trust Company Sachem Rock Farm Scituate Light Sever, William, House Snow Fountain and Clock South Hingham Historic District South Middleborough Historic District South Street Historic District Sparrow, Richard, House Standish, Alexander, House Stetson House Stetson-Ford House Tack Factory, The Tarklin School Third Meetinghouse Thomas-Webster Estate Thumb, Tom, House Tobey Homestead Town Hall Tremont Nail Factory District US Post Office-Middleborough Main War Memorial Park Washburn, C.P., Grain Mill Webster, Daniel, Law Office and Library Whitman Park Winslow Cemetery Winslow, Isaac, House WITCH (catboat) Woodworth House WPA Field House Wright Memorial Library
In 1773, the Boston Tea Party occurred, where American colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest British taxation.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.