In 1628, several Plimouth colonists, led by John Endicott, established a new home north of the Charles River with permission from King Charles I in England and Governor John Bradford in Plimouth. Their new plantation would occupy much of today's Essex County and be centered on the town of Salem. In 1630, Endicott succeeded in securing a charter from the King to form a local government, separated from Plimouth colony and led by a crown-appointed governor. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was born.
In 1928, the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission was formed to celebrate the 300th birthday of the Colony. Part of their celebration included a program to identify and detail the sites and people who were significant in the formation of the Colony. These historic sites follow the paths of the original settlers as they ventured out from Salem to establish towns as far north as Salisbury and as far west as Northfield and Hartford. These 'Tercentenary Markers' now dot the state along main roads as well as the countryside. Boston proper was not asked to provide any sites as it was deemed the city was historic enough and had all of its historical sites well marked already.
The Markers were all designed to a specific formula - roughly 45x36 inches, white background, black lettering, black borders, the state seal, and signed 'Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission', made from cast iron and weighing nearly 200lbs. The signs are often in neglect but a small few show evidence of great care. These signs can be found in downtown areas, along major roadways, in the middle of nowhere, on private land, and elsewhere. Often these signs are right under our noses and have blended in to the scenery. Sadly, their position makes them prone to damage from car accidents, snow plows, and such. Some are removed simply because they don't fit with the planning of a local historical commission.
This is my photo project to get most, if not all, of these links to our past. As far as I can tell this is the largest collection of Tercentenary Markers anywhere on the web. Most of my research comes from websites and a few books. If you know of one and want to share your information, drop me an e-mail at douging@hotmail.com. Thanks! 90 and counting...
Link to Google Maps detailing specific locations (work in progress): http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115988137233833491996.00045c51f8a7e01d95522&z=10
In 1928, the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission was formed to celebrate the 300th birthday of the Colony. Part of their celebration included a program to identify and detail the sites and people who were significant in the formation of the Colony. These historic sites follow the paths of the original settlers as they ventured out from Salem to establish towns as far north as Salisbury and as far west as Northfield and Hartford. These 'Tercentenary Markers' now dot the state along main roads as well as the countryside. Boston proper was not asked to provide any sites as it was deemed the city was historic enough and had all of its historical sites well marked already.
The Markers were all designed to a specific formula - roughly 45x36 inches, white background, black lettering, black borders, the state seal, and signed 'Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission', made from cast iron and weighing nearly 200lbs. The signs are often in neglect but a small few show evidence of great care. These signs can be found in downtown areas, along major roadways, in the middle of nowhere, on private land, and elsewhere. Often these signs are right under our noses and have blended in to the scenery. Sadly, their position makes them prone to damage from car accidents, snow plows, and such. Some are removed simply because they don't fit with the planning of a local historical commission.
This is my photo project to get most, if not all, of these links to our past. As far as I can tell this is the largest collection of Tercentenary Markers anywhere on the web. Most of my research comes from websites and a few books. If you know of one and want to share your information, drop me an e-mail at douging@hotmail.com. Thanks! 90 and counting...
Link to Google Maps detailing specific locations (work in progress): http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115988137233833491996.00045c51f8a7e01d95522&z=10
Bellingham-Cary Mansion, Broadway, Chelsea. The Bellingham estate once consisted of the nearly the entire area of present-day Chelsea. Governor Richard Bellingham bought the land, known as Rumney Marsh or Winesemmet, in 1634 and it came with a ferry and landing the only form of communication with nearby Boston where Bellingham resided as governor. The Winesemmet estate served as a working farm and retreat. The house itself was erected in 1659 with cherry tree-lined streets, an apple orchard, and a fresh water spring surrounding the building. Its proximity to Breeds Hill during the Siege of Boston was a plus for General George Washington and militiamen used the house for sanctuary. In 1650 the property was divided into four farms but the Bellinghams kept 365 acres which were passed on to Margaret Graves (a step-daughter to Bellingham) in1702. Graves married Captain Samuel Cary of Charlestown in 1722 and the house was entrusted to their son, Samuel Junior. In 1791 the house was enlarged and renovated to its present state where it was handed over to the Cary House Association for preservation in 1911.
Bellingham-Cary Mansion, Broadway, Chelsea. The Bellingham estate once consisted of the nearly the entire area of present-day Chelsea. Governor Richard Bellingham bought the land, known as Rumney Marsh or Winesemmet, in 1634 and it came with a ferry and landing the only form of communication with nearby Boston where Bellingham resided as governor. The Winesemmet estate served as a working farm and retreat. The house itself was erected in 1659 with cherry tree-lined streets, an apple orchard, and a fresh water spring surrounding the building. Its proximity to Breeds Hill during the Siege of Boston was a plus for General George Washington and militiamen used the house for sanctuary. In 1650 the property was divided into four farms but the Bellinghams kept 365 acres which were passed on to Margaret Graves (a step-daughter to Bellingham) in1702. Graves married Captain Samuel Cary of Charlestown in 1722 and the house was entrusted to their son, Samuel Junior. In 1791 the house was enlarged and renovated to its present state where it was handed over to the Cary House Association for preservation in 1911.
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