NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR - Gloucester

There is a long history of shipbuilding in the town of Gloucester Massachusetts. It was founded as a colonial port and prospered during the early eighteenth century. During the colonial period, most sailing vessels based in the city operated out of the Harbor Cove, where at least two wharves stood. Other maritime shops flourished in this area, including fish flakes. There are several notable historical sites in the town, including the Gloucester Naval Museum and the former town harbor. Check this out for more.

The shipbuilding industry in Gloucester began at least as early as 1642, when William Stevens was induced to settle in the town by three land grants totaling over five hundred acres. The next documented ship, 68 feet long at the keel, had a forecastle, cabin, quarter deck, and mainmast. In between, several other vessels were built. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination. A historic marker on the city waterfront commemorates the men who created it.

Early settlers in the city were Europeans from the west. Samuel de Champlain landed on Cape Ann in 1605 and described the harbor as deep, spacious, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. He christened the settlement of Gloucester as “Le Beau Port,” indicating the harbor’s attractiveness to Europeans. The harbor’s naturally deep waters would later become one of Gloucester’s most valuable assets. The town grew to become one of the largest ports in the country, attracting people from nearby towns. Next article.

There are a lot of great places to visit and see in Gloucester, MA. We compiled a quick list here.

Point Of Interest #1 Cape Ann Camp Site, 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930

Point Of Interest #2 Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

Point Of Interest #3 Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House, 75 Eastern Point Blvd, Gloucester, MA 01930

Point Of Interest #4 Plum Cove Beach, 1000 Washington St, Gloucester, MA 01930

Point Of Interest #5 Cape Ann Museum, 27 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA 01930