A Community of Ship Builders
Town History
Norwell can't be understood completely until you know a little about her history. A glimpse at
the town seal tells you about the importance of boat building. The genesis of boat building was
purely economic. In the early seventeenth century, as the British Navy began building more
ships and the demand for merchant vessels increased, wood became scarce in Britain. The cost
to build a ship in New England was half the cost of building one in England. Trees that had
grown unhindered for 150 centuries covered the countryside: the forest canopy was 200 feet
throughout most of the northeast woodlands, so strong, stout pine and oak was there for the
taking. Soon a thriving boat building business sprung up along the banks of the North River to
take advantage of this "inexhaustible" supply source.
Most of the boats that were built here were small working coastal boats, as the North River shipyards didn't
have the depth required for larger boats. But the Columbia, America's first ship to circumnavigate the globe,
and after which the mighty Columbia River is named, was built on the North River! The largest ship ever built
on the North River was built by William Delano at the Wanton Shipyard and was called the Mount Vernon.
Norwell, Massachusetts
Established 1888
Formerly Known As:
South Scituate, 1849
Scituate, 1636
Established 1888
Formerly Known As:
South Scituate, 1849
Scituate, 1636
Over 1000 great sailing vessels would continue to be built along the North River, before
Norwell took her name. One of the most famous ships that was launched from the North
River was the S.S. Columbia, the first American-built vessel to circumnavigate the globe,
and after whom the Columbia River (which it "discovered") and British Columbia were
named. In 1801, a record 30 ships were built on the River, and in 1812, the 464-ton Mount
Vernon was built at Wanton Shipyard, the River's largest, just south of River Street, near
Blackthorne Lane.
Eventually, the ships that merchants were demanding were too large (and drawing too much below the water line) to be built in the North River, and boat building died. However, the legacy of Norwell's Clipper Ships lives on; to this day they are the figurehead of the town and can be found on various Norwell logos.
Eventually, the ships that merchants were demanding were too large (and drawing too much below the water line) to be built in the North River, and boat building died. However, the legacy of Norwell's Clipper Ships lives on; to this day they are the figurehead of the town and can be found on various Norwell logos.
Our Journey as a Town
1849 Norwell split from Scituate and became know as South
Scituate. In 1888, it changed its name to Norwell, after
Henry Norwell, a wealthy Boston merchant and benefactor
to the small rural town. Other names that people voted on
for Norwell were Deane, Hatherly, Cushing, and Standish.
All of the non-selected names got 2 votes, Norwell got 215.
Norwell was originally settled in about 1628. In 1637 Cornet Robert Stetson was
granted a tract of land about four miles along the North River. This area was part
of Old Scituate (incorporated in 1636, and including all of Norwell, most of
Hanover, and portions of present day Cohasset, Marshfield, Pembroke, and
Hanson). More about the Stetson kindred is available here.
Henry Norwell (Left) - Courtesy of Massmemories.org
Norwell's Agricultural History
Norwell has a long history of farming. In fact, until early this century, just about
everyone was a farmer for much of their own food. Even doctors, lawyers, landlords,
and other business people tended a family farm for their personal crops and livestock.
Today, look around and notice the open fields. These fields are still hayed twice a year
by a group of Norwellians for their sheep, cattle, goats, horses and other hay-eating
critters. The "Currie Barn" pictured here to the right, was large a dairy operation for
many years, and has been wonderfully restored by its current owner for your viewing
pleasure as you approach Norwell Center on Route 123.
However, Norwell's farming history is still being made. At a 2009 special town
meeting, Norwell voters approved $50,000 of Community Preservation Funds
to start a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative in Norwell; this
was the birth of Norwell Farms.
A non-profit organization, Norwell Farms began functioning as of February 2010. It is run entirely by Norwell residents who volunteer their time to the farm and associated fundraising. The organization is run at the signature 1726 Jacobs Homestead property located at 4 Jacobs Lane.
The mission of Norwell Farms is to create and maintain a sustainable, local farm out of Jacobs Homestead in Norwell. They are committed to providing fresh, seasonable food to residents who are interested in local, organic farming and educating the community about the benefits of such practices.
A non-profit organization, Norwell Farms began functioning as of February 2010. It is run entirely by Norwell residents who volunteer their time to the farm and associated fundraising. The organization is run at the signature 1726 Jacobs Homestead property located at 4 Jacobs Lane.
The mission of Norwell Farms is to create and maintain a sustainable, local farm out of Jacobs Homestead in Norwell. They are committed to providing fresh, seasonable food to residents who are interested in local, organic farming and educating the community about the benefits of such practices.
Thanks to Bob Hynes for
the Historic Map!