Plymouth, MA

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Introduction to Plymouth, Massachusetts

Plymouth, Massachusetts, in Plymouth county, is 34 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. Plymouth Rock is well known for being the final landing location of the renowned Mayflower ship and the Pilgrims. "Plimoth" is the old English spelling for the community. It's the oldest town in New England and one of the oldest in the nation. It's situated in the "South Shore."

Plymouth features an active port. Tourism is the primary industry for the historic town. Healthcare, technical/scientific research and telecommunications are important factors for the economy. The Atlantic coast portion features low plains and the western area has a hilly and forested landscape. Plymouth has numerous beaches. The climate is regarded as humid continental. The town has become popular with retirees and people who commute to Boston. Outside of downtown, Plymouth includes numerous distinct villages.

Plymouth History

The Wampanoag Indians, known as the Patuxet, were the original inhabitants. A terrible plague occurred in approximately 1617 which killed approximately 90% of the Indians. The plague was possibly brought to the area by the British and French fishermen. Plymouth was the last landing site for the Pilgrims and their Mayflower ship. It was the first settlement for the Plymouth Colony and served as the capital. The town was established in 1620 by the English known as the "separatists," also called Pilgrims.

At the request of Massasoit, the Wampanoag Tribe Chief, an English speaking Indian named Squanto was a major help in teaching the Pilgrims how to produce important items, grow corn and offered fishing techniques and showed them the primary fishing locations. He was a major factor in their survival. In 1621 the well known first Thanksgiving took place with the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. During the 19th century fishing, shipping and rope making were flourishing. The Plymouth Cordage Company was the world's largest producer of rope and cordage products. Ship building also became a prominent industry.

Plymouth Historic Sites

• Plymouth Rock Monument, according to tradition is the site of the last landing of the Pilgrims.
• Pilgrim Hall Museum is regarded as the oldest continually operating museum in the nation.
• Plimoth Plantation features a replica of the Plymouth Settlement and a re-creation of the Wampanoag community.
• The Mayflower II is a full-sized re-creation of the historic Mayflower ship which transported the Pilgrims to Plymouth.
• Coles Hill features a sarcophagus which includes the bones of Pilgrims that died during the winter of 1620.
• Hedge House Museum is a Federal style home.
• The National Monument to the Forefathers is one of the tallest free standing solid granite monuments in the nation.
• Jenny Grist Mill is a working re-creation of a grist mill used in the early days.
• The Jabez Howland House features historic furniture and artifacts and is known to be a former residence of Pilgrims.
• Burial Hill is one of the oldest cemeteries in the nation.
• 1749 Court House and Museum features notable artifacts from Plymouth's history and is regarded as the oldest Courthouse made from wood in the country.
• Mayflower Society House is a notable mansion and includes historic furnishings and relics.
• Pilgrim Hall Museum showcases artifacts of the Pilgrims.
• 1670 Harlow Old Fort House Museum is a working museum.

Other notable attractions include the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, the Waterfront Festival, Golden Gull Studios, Kusmin Art Gallery, the scenic Plymouth Colony Winery and concerts on the Waterfront.

Plymouth Activities

Myles Standish State Forest is popular for camping, bicycle riding, fishing and hiking and features numerous lakes and ponds. Ellisville Harbor State Park features a notable beach situated inside Cape Cod Bay. Golfing enthusiasts enjoy the local courses including the well known Waverly Oaks Golf Club, the Plymouth Country Club, Pinehills and Squirrel Run. Whitehorse, Plymouth Long, Scusset and Duxbury beaches are enjoyed by residents and visitors. The scenic Ellisville Harbor includes a barrier beach. Wale watching and deep sea fishing are popular with visitors.

Plymouth Higher Education

The town is home to Quincy College and Curry College.

High Points

Plymouth strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 18%

Comparative Profile of Plymouth, MA

Comparing Plymouth to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Plymouth Almanac

Plymouth Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Plymouth Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Plymouth, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Plymouth Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Plymouth Hospitals

JORDAN HOSPITAL INC
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
275 SANDWICH STREET
(508) 746-2000
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Plymouth

Plymouth High Schools (2004)

PLYMOUTH NORTH HIGH
41 OBERY STREET
508-830-4400
Serves 1,092 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.6

PLYMOUTH SOUTH HIGH
490 LONG POND ROAD
508-224-7512
Serves 927 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 11.4

PLYMOUTH SOUTH TECHNICAL
490 LONG POND ROAD
508-224-7512
A Vocational School
Serves 626 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19.3

Plymouth Colleges

(List of All Massachusetts Colleges)

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