East Bridgewater is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, with a rich and fascinating history. In this blog post, we will explore how East Bridgewater evolved from a Native American territory to a colonial settlement, to an industrial hub, to a residential community. We will also highlight some of the notable events and people that shaped the town’s identity and culture. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or a history buff, you will find something interesting and informative in this post. Let’s dive in!
The Native American Era
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land that is now East Bridgewater was inhabited by the Wampanoag people, who called it Satucket. The Wampanoag were part of a larger confederation of tribes led by the sachem Massasoit, who played a crucial role in the early relations between the natives and the colonists. Massasoit was the one who welcomed the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621 and signed a treaty of peace and friendship with them.
In 1649, Massasoit sold a large tract of land, including what is now East Bridgewater, to Miles Standish, Samuel Nash, and Constant Southworth, who were commissioners appointed by the Plymouth Colony. The deed was signed on a small hill in East Bridgewater, known as Sachem Rock, which is now a historic site and a park. The price for the land was seven coats, nine hatchets, eight hoes, twenty knives, four moose skins, and ten yards and a half of cotton. The Wampanoag continued to live in the area until the outbreak of King Philip’s War in 1675, which resulted in the death or displacement of most of the natives.
The Colonial Era
The first European settlers in East Bridgewater were mostly farmers, who came from the nearby towns of Duxbury and Plymouth. They established the East Parish of Bridgewater in 1723, as a part of the original town of Bridgewater, which was founded in 1656. The East Parish was mainly agricultural, but it also had some mills, forges, and tanneries along the rivers and streams. The town was involved in the American Revolution, as it supplied muskets, cannons, and other weapons to the colonial army. Some of the town’s residents also fought in the war, such as Captain Josiah Hayden, who led a company of militia at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
East Bridgewater became an independent town in 1823, after a long and bitter dispute with the other parishes of Bridgewater over taxes and representation. The town adopted a seal that featured a plow, a hammer, and a book, symbolizing its agricultural, industrial, and educational pursuits. The town also established its own schools, churches, and civic institutions, such as the East Bridgewater Public Library, which was founded in 1875.
The Industrial Era
The 19th and early 20th centuries saw a rapid transformation of East Bridgewater from a rural to an urban town, thanks to the development of transportation and manufacturing. The town was connected to the railroads and the trolleys, which facilitated the movement of people and goods.
The town also became a center of innovation and production, especially in the fields of iron, textile, and shoe making. Some of the notable industries in the town were the Keith Brothers Iron Slitting Mill, which was one of the earliest in southeastern Massachusetts; the East Bridgewater Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, which employed hundreds of workers; and the R. B. Grover Shoe Factory, which was the site of a tragic fire in 1905 that killed 58 people.
The industrial era also brought social and cultural changes to the town, as it attracted immigrants from various countries, such as Ireland, Italy, and Sweden. The town also witnessed the rise of labor unions, social clubs, and fraternal organizations, such as the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows, and the Grange.
The Modern Era
The second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century saw a decline of the industrial sector and a growth of the residential and service sectors in East Bridgewater. The town became a suburban community, with a population of over 14,000 people, according to the 2020 census. The town also preserved and renovated some of its historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Town Hall, the Old Colony Railroad Station, and the Sachem Rock Farm.
The town also developed new facilities and amenities, such as the East Bridgewater High School, the East Bridgewater YMCA, and the East Bridgewater Community Center. The town also continued to celebrate its heritage and culture, with events such as the Memorial Day Parade, the Holiday on the Common, and the East Bridgewater Arts Festival.
Summary
East Bridgewater is a town that has a lot to offer to its residents and visitors. It has a history that spans over three centuries, a culture that reflects its diversity and vitality, and a future that promises more opportunities and challenges. East Bridgewater is a town that is proud of its past, present, and future.
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