Did You Know America’s Oldest Seaport is in New England?
You learn something new every day.
One of the things this writer loves most about New England is its history, and it turns out that the area's also home to the oldest seaport in the country.
Visit Massachusetts shared on their website that the oldest and most historic fishing seaport in the United States is Gloucester, Massachusetts, just under an hour away from Boston. There, "you’ll find spectacular natural beauty, an energetic and picturesque working port, time-honored cultural traditions and a variety of recreational activities," according to the site.
Gloucester was founded over 380 years ago in 1642, just 22 years after the Pilgrims first arrived in Plymouth. Today, the town is home to natural attractions like Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, Stage Fort Park, and scenic lighthouses.
An especially popular Gloucester destination is Hammond Castle Museum, which this writer visited earlier this year. The famous castle and museum was constructed in the late 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. to house his collection of artifacts from Europe, including ones "from ancient Rome through the Renaissance."
Just take a look at this place. It looks like something out of a storybook. The castle's also got gorgeous seaside views, and you can get married there, too. Click here to learn more.
So, there you have it. The oldest seaport in the entire country is right in the Bay State.
And speaking of castles, here are some other popular ones in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Have you visited any of them?
Enter Your Medieval Era by Visiting These 6 Castles in New Hampshire and Massachusetts
Gallery Credit: Megan Murphy