Posted on December 13, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
Westport farmer, Frederick Allen kept a journal. This section chronicles his voyage on the Mexico. April, 1837 Buys articles for voyage, including 5 lbs. of tobacco; Ships out of Westport on the Brig Mexico; Sails south, encountering strong gales. Saturday, April 1, 1837. Morning rainy ◄ SE. Afternoon fair ◄ NW. Most of the […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 10, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
Posted on November 18, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
The Dartmouth highway records from the early 1700s note the existence of a ferry in the area where the bridge now stands, but do not mention who operated the ferry. By tradition, George Cadman operated the ferry before Mary Hix took it over ca1710. The highway records do state that a suitable crossing point across […]
Continue ReadingPosted on November 17, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
The following are some extracts from Old Dartmouth Highway Records 1705-1786, which can be accessed online at dartmouthhas.org. Without a knowledge of the location of the early homesteads, the modern reader would find it impossible to know, in most cases, which modern road is being referred to. Thus as the first line in each entry […]
Continue ReadingPosted on November 10, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
We share a recent discovery of letters written by George F. Sisson during his service as a private in the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. For towns in Northern states such as Westport, the impact of the Civil War was felt most keenly through the personal experiences of soldiers and the human cost of lives […]
Continue ReadingPosted on June 17, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
I often think about the following account of an encounter with three runaway slaves near Hix Bridge when I drive across the bridge. It is easy to picture them making their way down Hix Bridge Road towards the safety of New Bedford, probably passing by the Handy House on their way to cross the bridge. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on June 9, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
What are the origins of the names of our roads? How did Sodom Road get its name? How have roads developed and changed over time? The 1831 map of Westport reveals a familiar network of roads, one that we recognize today, shaped by waterways, maritime and agricultural activities yet constrained by the two […]
Continue ReadingPosted on May 27, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
Jim Pierce interviewed by Mary Giles
Continue ReadingPosted on May 18, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
An interview with James Vaughan
Continue ReadingPosted on April 20, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
Local history research can lead to some unexpected discoveries. What began as an effort to highlight some poetry found in the Westport Historical Society’s collection, has led to a deeper exploration into the history of Westport’s cultural past. Westport’s seclusion and natural beauty has served to attract, inspire and rejuvenate artists and writers for […]
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