Wareham 1776 1976

Wareham, 1776-1976

A Brief History of Wareham

Wareham, Massachusetts--the Gateway to the Cape--is a small town steeped in rich history. The Wampanoags, or "People of the First Light," first used the area of Wareham as a summer home. Later, this area became part of the colonies' first permanent settlement, Plymouth. Since its incorporation in 1739, Wareham has persevered and flourished through the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Industrial Revolution. In the nineteenth century, the seaside town quickly became a tourist destination and experienced an early economic boom as salt works, manufacturing mills, ironworks, nail factories and cranberry harvesting developed in the region. With over fifty-four miles of scenic waterfront, Wareham has drawn travelers to its shores for centuries. Join author Michael J. Vieira as he deftly navigates the history of this vibrant community.

Wareham

Wareham nestles along the coast of picturesque Buzzards Bay in southeastern Massachusetts. First visited by Native Americans who made it their summer home, the villages of Wareham and Onset were incorporated as the town of Wareham in 1739. The town's long and varied history includes the development of the salt, iron, shipping, and cranberry industries and the decades of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when the town provided an exciting resort destination. Many ethnic groups made Wareham their home, including the Cape Verdeans, who contributed to the development of the cranberry industry and brought the richness of their culture to the community. Wareham spans the years from the eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century and includes images of important buildings, many of which no longer exist. The book depicts the numerous early villages for their unique flavor: Tremont, Parker Mills, Lincoln Hill, and Swifts Beach in Wareham; Agawam Village; and Onset's many beaches and neighborhoods, such as the downtown village, Point Independence, and Wicket's Island. Wareham includes rare photographs of downtown Wareham, the Horseshoe Mill, and the Tremont Nail Company, as well as Onset's Victorian casinos and hotels that recall bygone days of seaside splendor.