These Historic Towns in Massachusetts Are Worth Exploring

As the sixth state to ratify the Constitution, an event that took place in February 1788, it’s little wonder that Massachusetts is steeped in history. And while many of the most important events in the state’s history occurred in and around larger cities like Boston, many of the state’s smaller towns also played pivotal roles in shaping modern-day Massachusetts.

From the maritime legacy and colonial-era homes of picturesque Marblehead to the notorious witch trials in Salem, this list of historic towns in Massachusetts that are worth exploring will inspire even those with only a passing interest in the history of the “Bay State. 

Marblehead

Founded in 1692 and once part of neighboring Salem, Marblehead got its name after early settlers mistook granite ledges around the town for marble. The name stuck, and today Marblehead makes for a fun day trip from places like Boston, just 16 miles to the south, for those interested in experiencing an authentic Massachusetts experience.

Notable landmarks include the Marblehead Lighthouse at Chandler Hovey Park, which has watched over Marblehead Harbor since the late 1800s; and Fort Sewall, built during the Revolutionary War and later serving as a lookout point during the War of 1812. Old Burial Hill, a cemetery dating from 1638, is another must-visit attraction and boasts panoramic views of the harbor and the town.

Stockbridge

Its location in the scenic Berkshires region of Massachusetts has certainly put Stockbridge on the map as far as tourism is concerned. Established in the 1730s, a visit to Stockbridge today is like stepping back in time, especially its historic town center. Here you’ll find numerous examples of well-preserved 18th-century architecture and must-visit attractions including the Norman Rockwell Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Rockwell's works (the famed American artist spent his later years in Stockbridge). 

The Red Lion Inn is another historic attraction in Stockbridge. Dating back to the 18th century, the inn has been a centerpiece of Stockbridge social life for centuries and continues to be a popular gathering spot and makes for a memorable place to stay. Other highlights include the Mission House, an attractive 18th-century home that showcases colonial life and Mohican artifacts; and Chesterwood, the former summer home and studio of the sculptor Daniel Chester French, creator of the presidential statue in the Lincoln Memorial statue. If there’s time left in your Massachusetts travel itinerary, visit the Stockbridge Bowl, an artificial lake that’s popular among water sports enthusiasts.

Salem

Known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, the historic town of Salem is located on the north coast of Massachusetts near Greater Boston and attracts visitors with its unique and sometimes eerie past. It’s here you’ll find Witch House, built in 1642 and the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the trial judges. This fascinating attraction is the only surviving structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Another must-visit for those interested in this dark chapter of American history is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial which commemorates the victims of the trials. 

Interested in literature? If so, the House of the Seven Gables, immortalized in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, is a colonial mansion with exhibits related to Salem's maritime history that’s worth a visit. The Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States, is also worth visiting and showcases an extensive collection of art and artifacts. Salem's waterfront and harbor area are also fun to explore, especially around Salem Willows, a charming oceanfront park with a boardwalk, restaurants, and beaches.

Sturbridge

Sturbridge captures the essence of New England's historical and rural charm and is located mid-way between Worcester and Springfield. Incorporated in 1738, Sturbridge nowadays serves as an open-air museum that recreates a rural New England town from the 1790s to the 1830s. More than 40 historic buildings are located within what’s known as Old Sturbridge Village, among them historic homes, farm buildings, a school, and a country store, with costumed historians demonstrating period crafts, cooking, and farming techniques.

Wells State Park is another must-do, with more than 10 miles of trails serving as a draw for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiing. Walker Pond, located within the park, is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Lexington

Lexington is famous as the site where the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired in 1775. Lexington Battle Green, also known as Lexington Common, is the most iconic site in the town and is where this first confrontation between American Minutemen and British Redcoats occurred. Now a national historic landmark, it’s often used to host re-enactments and commemorations, especially on Patriots' Day. Adjacent to the green, the Minute Man National Historical Park preserves and interprets the opening battle of the Revolution and features the famous Battle Road Trail, a five-mile route through a colonial landscape peppered with historic sites and monuments.

The Hancock-Clarke House is another important landmark and played a crucial role during the events of April 19, 1775, when it served as the headquarters for revolutionary leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams (it’s now a museum). Other Lexington Historical Society museums to visit include Buckman Tavern, built in 1710 and the scene of many important meetings during this period in time; and Munroe Tavern, built in 1735 and once occupied by the British.

Newburyport

Newburyport was founded in 1764 and flourished as a shipbuilding center and international trading port. Evidence of its former maritime status is reflected in its well-preserved Federal-style architecture and in the Custom House Maritime Museum. Housed in a neoclassical building dating from 1835, this fascinating museum showcases the town’s legacy in shipbuilding and trade with exhibits about the lives of the sailors, merchants, and shipbuilders who shaped the city’s past.

The High Street Historic District is another highlight and features picturesque streets lined with Federal-style homes and businesses from the early 19th century. The town’s waterfront and boardwalk area are not to be missed and offer scenic views of the Merrimack River and nearby Plum Island, an excellent destination for birdwatching, beach activities, and exploring the Plum Island Lighthouse. Other highlights include the First Religious Society Church and Parish Hall, as well as Market Square, surrounded by historic buildings housing shops, restaurants, and cafés

The Final Word

These historic towns aren’t just pretty places to visit in Massachusetts… they also serve as repositories of important American history. From the maritime roots of Marblehead and the witch trial lore of Salem to the revolutionary spirit of Lexington, each of these communities has done a superb job of preserving the past and recording its role in it. Find out more by learning about these historic towns in Massachusetts that are worth exploring.