Hingham, MA —
A Town of History

It was about 10 years ago when I took my family to Washington, DC for a visit. We toured the majority of the typical tourist sites including the capitol building, monuments, and museums. Due to my love of history, my family and I were particularly interested in the two days that we planned to spend at the Smithsonian museums. During our visit to the National Museum of American History, we were surprised to learn that there was a connection to the place that we called home - Hingham, Massachusetts.

In an exhibit relating to the Revolutionary War, a sword was on display dating back to the Battle of Yorktown. This battle was one of the key engagements at the end of the war in 1781. General George Washington, with the assistance of the French Navy, encircled the British forces led by General Charles Cornwallis. After a lengthy siege, the British were forced to surrender. Cornwallis was so ashamed of the loss, he decided to have his second in command Brigadier General Charles O'Hara present the sword during the formal surrender. Due to military customs, General Washington had his second in command Major General Benjamin Lincoln accept the sword. General Lincoln was from Hingham, Massachusetts.

"Hingham also has the nickname of "Bucket Town"

Our experience at the Smithsonian increased my family's curiosity surrounding the town and its role in American history. I had always known that the town that I have called home for fifteen years possessed a historical past. The Puritans originally settled Hingham in 1634, and is located between Plymouth to the south and Boston to the north. The town was originally named Bare Cove, but was quickly changed to Hingham in 1635 after a town in Norfolk, England. Hingham also has the nickname of "Bucket Town" due to its production of wooden buckets and the related profession of coopering (barrel making).

Hingham's history includes a strong tradition connected to the ocean including fishing and ship building. In particular, the former Hingham Shipyard (now a multi-use residential and commercial development that includes restaurants, shopping and high-end condominiums) was instrumental to the building of hundreds of vessels during World War II. In addition, the town was also a site to both an Army and a Navy base. These former installations are now scenic wooded recreational parks known as Wampatuck State and Bare Cove parks. They are used for walking, biking, and camping.

Another picturesque park located in the town is the World's End Reservation situated on a peninsula with sweeping views of the City of Boston and Hingham harbor. This park has miles of old cart paths and trails and is a part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. The World's End location was so admired; it was considered a potential site for the United Nations and also a nuclear power plant (which fortunately was never built).

"During her visit, Mrs. Roosevelt proclaimed the town's Main Street as the most beautiful in America"

In addition to the stunning coastline, secluded parks, and close proximity to Boston, Hingham boasts tree lined streets and historic houses. Many of these homes date back to the 1600s. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the town in 1942 to collaborate in the writing of the book "This is America". During her visit, Mrs. Roosevelt proclaimed the town's Main Street as the most beautiful in America and prominently featured Hingham in the book's contents. The town's Main Street is still beautiful and is used for numerous events such as the annual Fourth of July parade and Christmas in the Square event. Lower Main Street intersects with Downtown Hingham, which has many small boutique stores, restaurants, and of course a William Raveis Real Estate office!

In this short article, I have only scratched the surface regarding the history of my hometown. If you are interested in living in a community that is suburban (but is close to a metropolitan area), situated on the coast, and possesses a significant history dating back to the Pilgrims and the Revolutionary War, the town of Hingham is a great place to consider.

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Author

Michael Leary