One of the best parts about living in Massachusetts is being surrounded by history. This state was one of the first in the nation and offers plenty of places to learn about the past. Gloucester is the second-oldest town in Massachusetts and it’s a fascinating place to spend the day exploring. The history of Gloucester, Massachusetts is long and interesting, and you and your companions will love learning all about this unique place. If you want to learn all about history in Massachusetts, Gloucester is the perfect place to start. Read on to learn more about this destination.

The city of Gloucester was founded in 1623, just three years after Plymouth.
Flickr/cmh2315fl
This coastal city on Cape Ann was first established as a settlement just a handful of years after the Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower. It was incorporated just under two decades later in 1642.
Gloucester was named for Gloucester, England, where many of its early residents came from.
TripAdvisor/ Gilbertarfan
The first European settlers landed in Gloucester on Half Moon beach and settled nearby in what is now Stage Fort Park. Half Moon Beach and Stage Fort Park are still lovely places to spend a few hours, especially in the summertime.
One piece of Gloucester history that most people don’t know that the city was actually abandoned just a few years after it was settled.
TripAdvisor/ Dreamer612922
Unsurprisingly, the European settlers who tried to live on Cape Ann were not prepared for harsh New England winters and the difficult farming. They actually abandoned Gloucester and moved to what is now Salem in search of more fertile land. Eventually, settlers returned to Gloucester and the community succeeded.
Today, Gloucester is home to about 29,800 people.
Flickr/Selbe.
It’s a perfectly delightful place to spend an afternoon or an entire weekend. There are so many historic and modern attractions that you’ll have trouble choosing between them.
The Fisherman’s Memorial is a tribute to all those lost at sea.
TripAdvisor/ jensteinle
As a fishing community, Gloucester is no stranger to tragedy. Over 10,000 Gloucester fisherman have lost their lives on the sea. This statue is an iconic city landmark.

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Gloucester is also a great place to go whale-watching.
TripAdvisor/ G8059YClisab
You couldn’t ask for a better spot to head out on the water and try to watch some whales. There are several companies in town that offer tours during the feeding season from April to October.
Good Harbor Beach is a beautiful spot to relax.
TripAdvisor/ J Curly
One of the town’s loveliest sandy spots is Good Harbor Beach. This crescent-shaped beach has plenty of sand, shallow water, and is perfect in any season.
Head to Gloucester House for some fresh seafood.
TripAdvisor/ FKHAN33
Gloucester House has been serving tasty surf and turf dishes since 1958. It offers everything from the freshest oysters to decadent lobster rolls.
If you really want to be wowed, take a trip to Hammond Castle.
flickr/Rachel C. Photography
This place looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Hammond Castle was built in 1929 by local inventor John Hays Hammond and houses his collection of oddities and museum-quality treasures.
It’s easy to see why Gloucester is a must-see destination in Massachusetts.
Flickr/Steph ud

As you can see, the Gloucester, Massachusetts history is quite interesting! You can find the historic town of Gloucester on Cape Ann. Check the map here for driving directions. It’s north of Boston and close to Maine and it’s a great place to spend a weekend or even an entire week. You’ll love it! Plan a trip to Gloucester soon!

Check out more of our favorite historical towns in Massachusetts!

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More to Explore

History of Gloucester, Massachusetts

Christy Articola | February 04, 2023

Wow, the history of Gloucester, Massachusetts sure sounds interesting! I never knew it is the second-oldest city in the state. What other places can I visit nearby that are also old?

There are quite a few very old places in Massachusetts that are within driving distance of Gloucester. For example:

  • Ipswich was founded in 1630 and is only 25 minutes away
  • Salem was founded in 1626 and is just 25 minutes away also
  • Boston is full of history and was established in 1630. It's only about 30 minutes away.
  • Plymouth is the oldest town in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1620 when the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower. It's about an hour away from Gloucester.

 

I'm traveling with some people who aren't all that into historical stuff. What else is there to do in this part of Massachusetts?

Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to do in northeastern Massachusetts other than visiting historical sites. Here are some ideas:

  • The Lynn Museum in Lynn is great for art lovers.
  • Lynch Park in Beverly is an excellent waterfront park that's great for hanging out, picnicking, or flying kites.
  • Amesbury Sports Park has a variety of activities for all ages year-round.
  • The New England Pirate Museum in Salem is a little historical, but in a cool pirate-y way that everyone will enjoy.  Arrrr!

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