Westport History 101
Posted on December 21, 2017 by Jenny ONeill
10 AM – 11.30 AM Saturday March 10, May 5, June 2 at the Westport Free Public Library, 408 Old County Road.
PLEASE NOTE APRIL 14 SESSION HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 5
Besides Westport’s incorporation in 1787, how much do you really know about our sleepy little town?
Lexington, Concord and even New Bedford may have grabbed all the historic headlines, but Westport has a rich past of whaling and fishing, farming, manufacturing, immigration and even tourism that has contributed to the fabric of the SouthCoast region. Westport Historical Society President Tony Connors will lead us on a fascinating journey through Westport’s history. He’ll begin with the glaciers that influenced the town’s development then travel through time until the decline of the town’s manufacturing base in the early 20th century.
March 10 includes Westport’s geological formation, the early Native American inhabitants, first European contact, Plymouth Colony and King Philip’s War. We then discuss the early settlement of Old Dartmouth and end with the American Revolution.
May 5 covers the incorporation and organization of Westport in 1787, but also includes early roads and transportation, the whaling and fishing industries, and early industrial development.
June 2 starts with Westport in the Civil War, the rise of cotton manufacturing and Westport Factory Village, the introduction of railroads and trolleys, and the development of Route 6. The course ends in the early 20th century with a look at major changes and trends.