As the author of A History Lover’s Guide to the South Shore, I want to take you beyond the pages and take a deep dive into the history of the towns on the South Shore. Whether in the book or Backyard Road Trips, there’s plenty of attention given to Plymouth. For example, this weekend in Plymouth itinerary showcases many of the historical highlights including Plimoth Patuxet and iconic sites such as Plymouth Rock. This trip is to the history lover’s Plymouth. Our main destination, something not mentioned in the book, is the most gruesome place in town.
Town Square
Plymouth’s Town Square is quintessential New England, flanked by churches on two sides and a historic courthouse on the other. In the middle is a small park with a bench and a few trees. It seems as if it’s just a bucolic spot to rest your weary feet after a day of enjoying the town or a starting point to plan your day. Notice the plaque in the park and read what happened here.
King Philip, also known as Metcacomet was the son of Massasoit, the sachem of the Wampanoag at the time of the Separatists’ (Pilgrims) arrival in Plymouth. During the 1670s, an irate King Philip waged war against the New England colonists. Tragedies and atrocities occurred on both sides. Eventually, the settlers brutally won the war, with the outcome that the Indigenous people of New England were never again a threat to the English settlers.
Philip was killed in 1676. His hands were cut off, one sent to England and one to Boston. He was decapitated and his head placed on a pike to rot in the Plymouth Colony for twenty years in what is now known as Town Square. According to the Dead of Night Ghost Tours, this area has been plagued by hauntings ever since.
Coffee Break and a Walk.
After learning about Plymouth’s lesser-known history, head to Keegan Kreation’s for a croissant, a cookie, and coffee. Eat inside the quaint patisserie or enjoy your pastry on the lawn of the town hall just next door. With coffee in hand, head down North Street to the historic waterfront.
Stop into the Plymouth Center for the Arts on North Street, a free gallery featuring rotating exhibits, or take in the ocean breeze as the sea beckons. Stroll along the promenade, visiting the Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, and the statute of William Bradford. From there continue your jaunt through Brewster Gardens, taking in the natural beauty and monuments along the way.
There’s so much more to do in Plymouth, both for history lovers and non-history lovers. For more of History Lover’s Plymouth, check out the book. Or for more Plymouth ideas, make sure to view our index. Happy travels!
