History MATTAPOISETT
While visiting Mattapoisett you’ll fnd the area steeped in the rich history of how our nation was born. From the frst people, Native Americans, to the settlers who came much later, from the movement of glaciers across our landscape, to the building of grand Victorian homes, from farmlands to fshing grounds, from common folks to world famous fgures, Mattapoisett has been a witness to it all. The following is a very brief overview of Mattapoisett’s history. For more details visit the Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum located on Church Street or the local public library on Barstow Street. Mattapoisett’s history dates back more than 300 years to the frst settlement in 1680. Earlier history belongs to Native Americans who lived along the shores during the warm summer months. The name “Mattapoisett,” like many proper names in New England, is from Native American languages. Mattapoisett translates roughly to “summer resting place” or “the resting place.” Mattapoisett was a part of the township of Rochester that was divided into two regions. The eastern region was known as “the Lands of Sippican” while the western region was called the “Plantation of Matapoyst.” Plymouth Court records from 1673 show three Native American owners of Mattapoisett — Papamo, Machacam and Achawanamett. Ownership would change when in 1675 King Phillip’s War broke out. The region saw many pitched battles during those years. By 1679 the war was over and a company was organized to buy the land. Of the 16 men who had drawn land lots for Mattapoisett parcels three took possession in 1680 — the Hammonds, Barlows and Dexters. Early residents farmed, fshed, built sawmills and gristmills. Succeeding generations would become master shipbuilders. Farmers exported the wealth of the forest and traded produce from farms situated in the uplands north of what is today State Route 6. One interesting historical note occurred during the Revolutionary War when the British warship, The Falcon, took up position in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound sending raiding parties ashore and capturing vessels. A few nights later a crew of Mattapoisett men and others, sneaked out in a sloop, recaptured the vessels and sailed them into New Bedford Harbor. A company of Revolutionary soldiers was recruited in Mattapoisett. Since they had to provide their own supplies, Captain Barlow of Mattapoisett sneaked past the blockade, sailed to the West Indies for arms, powder, and provisions, successfully returning with the necessities. After the Revolutionary War the area referred to today as “the village” along the harbor became more settled with homes built in record numbers. The frst schoolhouse was built on the southwest corner of Pearl Street. The frst professional ship builders arrived in the 1750's. Mattapoisett became an internationally known center for shipbuilding. All along the waterfront large shipyards hammered away, flling the air with the smell of fresh sawn logs and hot tar. Because Mattapoisett’s harbor is deep, it became one of the best locations to build large ships that would travel the globe in search of whales. At the height of the shipbuilding era as many as twelve shipyards were active. One of the ships built by local craftsmen was The Acushnet, the ship on which Herman Melville sailed. Another industry that sprang up along the shores of Mattapoisett harbor were salt works. Large open trays held salt water which evaporated leaving behind pure sea salt. During the Civil War 180 men joined the military most enlisting in the Navy. As the whaling industry declined, the need for shipbuilding declined as well. Mattapoisett returned to a quiet unassuming collection of neighborhoods such as Hammondtown along River Road, Randalltown and Tinkhamtown, but not for long. By the late 1800’s tourism found Mattapoisett. People with money to spend on leisure activities came to Mattapoisett during the summer. These new seasonal residents built large summer homes and small seaside cottages, and beach neighborhoods bloomed into busy vacation areas. In 1854 the Fairhaven Railroad was completed, running from Boston to Cape Cod through Mattapoisett, making the area even more accessible. In 1857 Mattapoisett separated from Rochester via town meeting vote. The 1938 Great Hurricane decimated all the coastal areas of Mattapoisett. A large restaurant that was situated where the current gazebo is located in Shipyard Park was obliterated. As you stroll around the village, you’ll fnd monuments to the men and women who have served our nation in time of war and confict. You’ll also see many homes with signs displaying their original owners’ names and the date the home was built. Though we know you’ll enjoy boating, swimming, bicycling, and walking along the streets, to fully appreciate Mattapoisett sit by the harbor at sunset or take in the dawn of a new day at Ned’s Point. Then you’ll appreciate why we say, “Mattapoisett is special.”