|
|
| Rockport |
| |
Rockport is on the northern tip of Cape Ann, about 39 miles from Boston. The area was settled in 1690, and is known world-wide as an ideal subject for artists in all mediums. The granite outcropping, quarries, seashore and quaint harbors offer something for everyone. Favorite spots include Thatcher's Island and lighthouse, Bearskin Neck, Halibut Point State Park, and the charming village itself. Rockport is one of the country's oldest art colonies, inspiring artists from Winslow Homer to Michael Stoffa. Rockport has a (2004) population of 7,805, and is part of Essex County.
http://www.town.rockport.ma.us/ |
| |
| About the North Shore |
| |
| A short distance from Boston, the North Shore encompasses communities rich with beauty and strong ties to history. From beaches, golfing and yacht clubs, to landmarks and museums, the North Shore is not only a destination for visitors in the summer, but a year round retreat from the city. Each town offers a unique experience, which in many cases, cannot be replicated anywhere else. The city of Gloucester is home to America's oldest working art colony, and on a sunny day the streets are lined with painters with their easels and brushes. In Salem, one of the major trading cities of colonial America, you can walk the cobblestone streets among some of the nation's most architecturally significant houses. Across the way in Marblehead, one can experience a town transformed into an offshore sailing destination during the summer for dinghies and mega-yachts alike. The towns most often referred to as being part of the North Shore include Beverly, Manchester, Magnolia, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Salem, Swampscott, and Marblehead. Here you can find more detailed information on each of the North Shore communities, as well as links to their websites.
|
| |
| Gloucester |
| |
Settled in 1623, Gloucester is America's oldest fishing port. First named "Le Beauport" by Samuel de Champlain because of its beautiful harbor and scenic rocky shores, Gloucester has been a destination community ever since and has received renewed attention since the popularity of "The Perfect Storm", a film about Gloucester's fishing boats during a great N'or Easter. It is a sought after vacation destination and retirement location, with its beaches, boating, culture, festivals and proximity to Boston.
Gloucester is a wonderful mix of an energetic working harbor and a thriving seaside community. The many beaches include Wingaersheek Beach and the lovely white sands of Good Harbor Beach. Gloucester's museums and historic homes include Beauport Sleeper McCann House, Cape Ann Historical Museum, Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center, and Hammond Castle Museum. Gloucester was incorporated in 1642, and reincorporated as a city in 1873. Conveniently located approximately 30 miles from Boston, Gloucester has a population just under 30,000.
http://www.ci.gloucester.ma.us/
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Manchester-by-the-Sea |
| |
Manchester-by-the-Sea is a quaint and quiet New England town, with
streets lined by lovely historic homes. Visit the picturesque harbor,
and wonderful Singing Beach, so named because the sand squeaks when you
walk on it. The town was settled in 1629. During the 19th century,
summer homes were developed here, establishing the community as one of
Boston society's favorite choices for summer residency. The most famous
of these "summer cottages" was Kragsyde (1883), designed by Peabody and
Stearns, and recognized as a prime example of the seaside Shingle style.
Manchester is home to the Essex County Club, the Singing Beach Club, and
the Manchester Yacht Club. It also has one of the top public school
systems in the state. Just 25 miles from Boston, with train service by
MBTA, the town was incorporated in 1645.
http://www.manchester.ma.us/
|
| |
| Essex |
| |
|
Essex was settled in 1634, just 14 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. There are over 30 antique shops in town, a delight to those looking for a piece of history. The area is also known for its great clam flats and fierce chowder competitions. Essex shipbuilding was big business, responsible for construction of thousands of twin-masted schooners. Tour the Essex Shipbuilding Museum for a close-up look at boat-building tools and techniques, or navigate the Essex River yourself via kayak. Essex is about 25 miles north of Boston, and has an estimated population of 3,282. |
| |
| www.essexma.org |
| |
| Ipswich |
| |
Ipswich is approximately 33 square miles of rolling topography, forests, fields, farmland, marshes, dunes, and beaches. The rural setting provides for exceptional river and ocean views and extensive open space. Ipswich is home to popular destinations such as Willowdale State Forest, the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, and the Sandy Point State Reservation. Crane's Beach has been noted as "one of the most beautifully scenic beaches in all New England." A unique landmark is the Crane Estate, a mansion with sprawling grounds extending to the ocean build in 1928, which is open to the public and hosts notable events such as an outdoor concert series in the summer and the Concours de Elegance in the fall.
Water is an integral component of the landscape, setting, and history of Ipswich. The Atlantic Ocean defines the town's eastern border and contributes significantly to Ipswich's character and maritime history. Approximately one-third of the town's land mass is protected salt marsh and estuaries, which limits development and helps to preserve open space and scenic views. The Ipswich River flows 35 miles from the west to the town center, where a dam marks the change to a tidal estuary that continues to the Atlantic. The many preserved and protected lands in Ipswich provide open space and critical habitat, as well as providing residents and tourists with numerous recreational opportunities.
Settled in 1633, Ipswich boasts more "first period" houses (homes built before 1724), than any other town in New England. The well developed town center is home to numerous shops as well as restaurants, which serve some of the North Shore's freshest seafood. Located approximately 30 miles North of Boston, Ipswich is a quick commute into Boston by car or on the commuter rail, which has a convenient stop in town on the Boston line. The town has approximately 13,000 residents.
www.town.ipswich.ma.us |
| |
| Hamilton |
| |
The Town of Hamilton is located on the North Shore of Massachusetts and has long been known for its association with equestrian and agricultural activities. Originally a section of Ipswich known as "The Hamlet," Hamilton was incorporated on June 21, 1793. The Town was named for Alexander Hamilton, whose portrait became the town seal in 1903. Mr. Hamilton didn't have any specific association with the town, but was most likely chosen for his importance in American history.
Hamilton is a rural community with a compact downtown area, residential neighborhoods, and open spaces. It is home to Bradley Palmer State Park, the Chebacco Woods, Chebacco Lake, Patton Park, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The town is home to numerous notable horse stables and riding clubs including Groton House, and Gathering Farm (former home to the US Equestrian team). The Myopia Hunt Club hosts golf tournaments as well as polo matches, hunts and the prestigious "Fidelity Jumper Classic" Grand Prix each September.
Today, residents and visitors flock to Patton Park, which is adorned by two statues bestowed in the General's honor by the French Government, and can view a retired WWII tank that has become an icon of the town. On Sunday afternoons during the summer, Hamilton is also host to the North Shore's largest polo gathering at the Myopia Hunt Club. The cozy town center offers shops, restaurants, and a train station with service into downtown Boston.
www.hamiltonma.gov |
| |
| Wenham |
| |
The Town of Wenham was originally settled in 1643 and, fortunately, has retained much of its unique historic character and tranquil rural scenery. It is a town of many open views of farm lands, lakes, woodlands and old stone walls that accompany its winding tree-lined roads. A walk along Wenham's lovely main street provides a timeless picture of beautiful old homes, gardens and yards, punctuated by friendly faces, residents say, giving one a general sense of connection to all that is right about New England small town life. The village center is home to several antique shops, a museum, and teahouse.
With only 4,400 residents, Wenham is small town located between Hamilton and Beverly. A favorite among equestrians, Wenham features miles of trials winding through some of the most beautiful farms and parks of the North Shore. Wenham is home to Gordon College, is 22 miles North of Boston and has a population of approximately 5100.
www.wenhamma.gov |
| |
| Beverly |
| |
Founded in 1626, the City of Beverly is one of the oldest communities in the state. Residents describe their city as the birthplace of the United States Navy, noting that the first ship commissioned by the Navy first sailed from Beverly Harbor.
Nestled between Manchester and Prides Crossing, the "Village" of Beverly Farms is home to some of Cape Ann's best known and unique shops and restaurants. Whether it is designer handbags, organic fruit, or the perfect martini, you can find it all in the Farms. Residents are also able to enjoy the private use of West Beach, and convenient access to Boston with a train stop right in town. Beverly Farms is also homes to several schools including the Cape Ann Waldorf School, Brookwood School, Shore Country Day School and Glen Urquhart.
www.beverlyfarms.org and www.beverlyma.gov
|
| |
| Salem |
| |
Since 1626, when Roger Conant arrived with the first settlers, Salem, Massachusetts has been attracting people from all points of the compass. In it's most prosperous period, it was a major shipping port to and from the orient with it's own custom's office and numerous docks hosting dozens of masted schooners. It became home to numerous sea captains and wealthy merchants.
Widely known for its historic witch trials of the 1600s, today's Salem offers much more to residents and visitors. Its world class Peabody Essex Museum draws national and international visitors each year, as does the McIntire Historic District, the largest collection of this renowned architecture in the nation. On the water, Derby Street offers up dozens of shops, restaurants, and an active waterfront with dozens of boats and ferries with direct service into Boston. The town is also home to Salem State University.
www.salem.com
|
| |
| Marblehead |
| |
A coastal community of approximately 21,000 residents, Marblehead is famous for its un-surpassed contributions to the American Revolution and Civil War as well as being recognized as the birthplace of the American Navy. Today, its quaint narrow streets and historic 17th and 18th Century buildings mirror Marblehead as it has existed since its founding in 1629.
Marblehead continues to play a significant role as a coastal seaport town. In the summer, yacht clubs from around the world gather in Marblehead as it hosts some of the most recognizable regattas. During the "Marblehead Race Week," thousands of sails rise in the morning and set out to compete for stardom on the ocean. When not on the water, residents and visitors can walk through the old seaport district, lined with shops and restaurants along the harbor, or stroll down the beach which looks out to Boston only 14 miles away.
www.marblehead.org
http://www.nshoremag.com/index.php?/Town-Style/Marblehead-Yacht-Clubing.html |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Swampscott |
| |
Early historical accounts of Swampscott indicated that the Native
Americans, referred to as Naumkeags, came to what was called the "land
of the red rock" in the seventeenth century to fish and hunt.
Originally part of the large Saugus land grant and later the eastern
part of Lynn's Ward One, Swampscott was settled and established in 1629
when Francis Ingalls came and built the first Massachusetts Bay Colony
tannery on Humphrey's Brook.
Long known as a seafaring fishing village, Swampscott hosted a large
commercial fishing fleet which sailed daily from our protected bay.
Early accounts of Swampscott considered it a "community of modest means"
and indicated that one man in three was a fisherman. Of the rest, a
goodly number were shoemakers (also known as cordwainers), shoe cutters
(known as clickers), yeomen or farmers and merchants.
In the late 1700s, Ebenezer Phillips learned the dry fish process from
the Naumkeaks and set up a processing facility for cod whereby the cod
was dried, put in barrels and shipped all over the world. Phillips'
business was a success and he became one of this country's first
millionaires.
From its fishing interests, Swampscott reached worldwide status as the
place where Ebenezer Thorndike invented the lobster pot in 1808 to
revolutionize lobster harvesting. Also, The Swampscott Dory, a fishing
boat still in use throughout the world today, was invented in 1840 by
Theophilius Brackett to row and to pull lobster pots. The dory was
considered the best seaworthy boat for fishermen due to its unique
flat-bottomed design.
A few large resorts were built in the 1800s which attracted wealthy
patrons, families and businessmen from across the country. Many stayed
and built grand homes in the area which played a vital role in the
town's diverse history.
Swampscott separated from Lynn when a group of 97 petitioners told the
General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that: |
| |
 |
They are situated somewhat remote from the central portion of Lynn;
and |
|
That their business is different from that of the principal part of
Lynn; and |
|
That their convenience and interests would be promoted by a separate
government, especially after the citizens of Lynn opted to switch from a
town to a city form of government. |
|
| |
Lynn offered no substantial opposition...so...the legislature passed an
enabling act which authorized the organization of a separate town
government under the date of May 21, 1852. On October 9, 1852 Lynn was
paid $5,450.00 for the land it lost to the new community now known as
the Town of Swampscott. In 1857 land at the far western edge of Salem
known as the "Salem Finger" was annexed to Swampscott bringing the total
land area to 3.05 square miles.
Alongside Swampscott's fishing heritage came the advent of large hotels
and homes as the community attracted summer residents from every corner
of the world. There were also homes of specific historical significance.
For example, John Humphrey, the first deputy governor of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony, lived in an attractive saltbox home in 1637
which is now home to the Swampscott Historical Society at 99 Paradise
Road and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stately homes which evolved in Swampscott include Professor Elihu
Thomson's Georgian revival mansion with its unique and ornate interior
carvings. Professor Thomson founded the Thomson-Houston Electric Company
which is now the General Electric Company. The building, designed by
James T. Kelley, now serves as the Town Administration Building and is
also listed on the National Historic Register.
Andrew Preston, founder of the United Fruit Company, had one of the
major summer estates in Swampscott. The Preston estate covered over 100
acres and included its own golf course.
Architect Arthur Little built several of the first shingle-styled homes
in Swampscott, all expansive summer homes with ocean views and most with
ballrooms.
The hotel and boarding house business flourished to serve the influx of
summer visitors with the Ocean House, the Hotel Preston, the Lincoln
House Hotel, the Hotel Bellevue and the New Ocean House Hotel. Notable
summer guests, including President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, and
Woolworth heiress Ethel Donahue frequented our lavish accommodations.
None of the large hotels remain standing today, most having been
destroyed by fire or savage coastal storms, and most of the large
estates have been subdivided into single family homes.
Nevertheless, Swampscott has retained the essence of a quiet setting
along the north shore of the Atlantic Ocean with the soothing sounds of
the ocean lapping along the seashore.
www.town.swampscott.ma.us |
| |
| » Back to Top |
| |
| Prides Crossing |
| |
|
Know as the "Estate Section" of Beverly, Prides Crossing is a small village within the town limits complete with their own post office and train station. Notable residents of the village include Endicott College as well as the world-renowned Landmark School. While only a few minutes to downtown Beverly, Prides crossing has retained a country-like charm. |
| |
|
