These Small Towns in Massachusetts Have the Best Historic Districts
The New England state of Massachusetts is a treasure trove of history. And for the adventurous traveler willing to venture a little further afield than the usual tourist hotspots of Boston and Cape Cod, there are numerous small towns in Massachusetts with interesting historic districts just waiting to be explored.
From the hallowed grounds of Concord, where the revolutionary cries of Minutemen once rang out, to rich resort towns like Lenox, these small yet interesting towns each feature unique landmarks that paint a picture of the state’s rich history.
Deerfield
The charming town of Deerfield is where you’ll find one of the most authentic and comprehensive historic districts in the USA. Start your exploration in Historic Deerfield, a mile-long street that serves as a living museum of colonial history. Lined with beautifully maintained 18th-century homes, it’s a delight to explore on foot.
The Indian House Memorial is another highlight and marks the site of the tragic 1704 raid during Queen Anne's War and provides a poignant look at colonial-Indigenous relations. The Brick Church, with its Federal architecture, demonstrates the town's evolving architectural tastes, while the Flynt Center of Early New England Life houses period artifacts related to the town’s first inhabitants.
Marblehead
Set on the rugged Massachusetts coastline just 16 miles north of Boston, Marblehead is the quintessential New England town. Founded in 1692, this picturesque coastal community oozes colonial charm. Along with its maritime legacy, Marblehead’s streets are a maze of historic homes and landmarks that date all the way back to the American Revolution.
One of the town’s most important landmarks, the Marblehead Lighthouse at Chandler Hovey Park has stood watch over the town’s attractive harbor area since the late 1800s. Another treasure worth seeing is Fort Sewall. Built during the Revolutionary War, it later served as a watch tower during the War of 1812. If you’ve time, visit the town's Old Burial Hill; dating from 1638 it has superb panoramic views of the waterfront area.
Stockbridge
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Berkshires region of Massachusetts, be sure to include Stockbridge on your list of places to visit. Established in the 1730s, a visit to Stockbridge’s historic town center is like journeying back in time. Notable landmarks include the Red Lion Inn, a historic hotel that has been around since the 18th century, and the renowned Norman Rockwell Museum. This must-visit attraction houses the most extensive collection of the artist's original works, with his portrayal of American life often featuring scenes from Stockbridge, where he spent his later years.
The Mission House is another historic landmark you should visit and provides a fascinating glimpse into colonial life with its preserved 18th-century home and Mohican artifacts. Chesterwood Estate, home to the studio of famed sculptor Daniel Chester French, is another must-do.
Salem
Salem has a deep connection with Massachusetts history, good and bad. It was here in 1692 that the infamous witch trials took place, a dark chapter of American history that’s remembered at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Witch House, the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the trials, once belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin and offers a fascinating insight into 17th-century life and the events of the trials.
Another iconic landmark is the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. This stunning old home is a prime example of colonial architecture and features displays relating to Salem's maritime history. The Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the US, houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts and is also worth checking out.
Newburyport
Set on the mouth of the Merrimack River, Newburyport was founded in 1764 and flourished for centuries as a shipbuilding center and a seaport for international trade. These days, a stroll in the High Street Historic District reveals the town's many Federal-style old homes and businesses.
A standout landmark is the Custom House Maritime Museum. Housed in a neoclassical building dating from 1835, this impressive attraction celebrates Newburyport's rich maritime heritage, detailing its shipbuilding prowess and trading ventures. Another significant site is the First Religious Society Church and Parish Hall, an architectural gem showcasing a blend of Georgian and Federal styles. Market Square, with its historic buildings and bustling atmosphere, is also worth exploring.
Concord
A 30-minute drive west of Boston, Concord played a pivotal role in the early events of the American Revolution. The North Bridge, a focal point within the Minute Man National Historical Park, is the site of the "shot heard round the world" that marked the first American victory in the Revolution. The nearby Old North Bridge Visitor Center provides context to this historic encounter.
Concord's literary legacy is equally profound, with Orchard House, the family home of Louisa May Alcott, a repository of artifacts and manuscripts relating to the author's life and works. Walden Pond, immortalized by Henry David Thoreau, is both a peaceful retreat and a symbol of transcendentalism, while Wayside, another historic residence, was home to noted authors Nathaniel Hawthorne and Margaret Sidney at various times.
Lenox
Lenox is another great little Berkshires town you should visit. Top attractions in Lenox include The Mount, the stately home of the famed American novelist Edith Wharton. Designed by Wharton herself, this architectural masterpiece mirrors her literary prowess and reflects her passion for landscape gardening. A stone's throw away, Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, resonates with world-class musical performances and can be visited as part of a fun 75-minute guided tour.
Ventfort Hall, another Gilded Age mansion, stands as a testament to the opulence of the era, complete with ornate woodwork and stained-glass windows. Interested in art? Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio, once home to American abstract artists George L.K. Morris and Suzy Frelinghuysen, showcases modernist art within its Bauhaus-inspired structure.
The Final Word
One of the 13 founding states, Massachusetts is steeped in American history. Featuring a diverse array of attractions, some of the best places to experience this history for yourself are the historic districts to be found in some of the state’s most attractive small towns. Use our list of small towns in Massachusetts with the best historic districts for ideas and inspiration.
