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'{{redirect|Plimoth|the tourist attraction|Plimoth Plantation|other uses|Plymouth (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox settlement |official_name = Plymouth |nickname = America's Hometown |named_for = [[Plymouth]], England |image_skyline = Court Street Plymouth MA2.JPG |imagesize = 250px |image_caption = Court Street, Plymouth Center, 2009 |image_seal = PlymouthMA-seal.png |image_flag = Flag of Plymouth, Massachusetts.jpg |image_map = Plymouth_ma_highlight.png |mapsize = 250px |map_caption = Location in Plymouth County in Massachusetts |image_map1 = |mapsize1 = |map_caption1 = |pushpin_map = USA |pushpin_map_caption = Location within the United States |pushpin_relief = 1 |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = United States |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = [[Massachusetts]] |subdivision_type2 = County |subdivision_name2 = [[Plymouth County, Massachusetts|Plymouth]] |subdivision_type3 = [[List of regions of the United States|Region]] |subdivision_name3 = [[New England]] |established_title = Settled |established_date = 1620 |established_title2 = Incorporated |established_date2 = 1620<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seeplymouth.com/towninfo.htm|title=Town and City Information|accessdate=2008-10-26|publisher=Plymouth County Development Council|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801174143/http://www.seeplymouth.com/towninfo.htm <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archivedate=2008-08-01}}</ref> |established_title3 = |established_date3 = |government_type = [[Representative town meeting]] |leader_title = Town Manager |leader_name = Melissa Arrighi |leader_title2 = Chairman of the Board of Selectmen<!--Board of<br>{{nbsp|3}}Selectmen--> |leader_name2 =Kenneth A. Tavares |government_footnotes =<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Admin/index|title=Town Departments: Town Manager's Office|accessdate=2007-07-30|publisher=Town of Plymouth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811053027/http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Admin/index|archive-date=2007-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = 347.0 |area_total_sq_mi = 134.0 |area_land_km2 = 249.8 |area_land_sq_mi = 96.5 |area_water_km2 = 97.2 |area_water_sq_mi = 37.5 |population_as_of = 2010 |settlement_type = Town |population_total = 58,271 |population_footnotes =<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bing.com/search?q=what+is+the+current+population+of+plymouth+massachuseets&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IENTTR&conversationid=|format=PDF|title=Town of Plymouth Population Projections|accessdate=2010-02-04|publisher=Town of Plymouth}}</ref> |population_density_km2 = 234.9 |population_density_sq_mi = 608.1 |elevation_m = 57 |elevation_ft = 187 |elevation_footnotes =<ref>{{Cite GNIS|id=618349|name=Town of Plymouth|accessdate=2007-07-31}}</ref> |timezone = Eastern |utc_offset = -5 |timezone_DST = Eastern |utc_offset_DST = -4 |coordinates = {{coord|41|57|30|N|70|40|04|W|region:US-MA|display=inline,title}} |website = [http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/ www.plymouth-ma.gov] |postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]]s |postal_code = 02345<br>02360<br>02361<br>02362<br>02381 |area_code = 508 / 774 |blank_name = FIPS code |blank_info = 25-54310 |blank1_name = GNIS feature ID |blank1_info = 0618349 |footnotes = }} '''Plymouth''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|l|ɪ|m|ə|θ}}; historically known as '''Plimouth''' and '''Plimoth''') is a town in [[Plymouth County, Massachusetts]]. The town holds a place of great prominence in American history, folklore, and culture, and is known as "America's Hometown." Plymouth was the site of the colony founded in 1620 by the ''[[Mayflower]]'' [[Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony)|Pilgrims]], where [[New England]] was first established. It is the oldest municipality in New England and one of the oldest in the United States.<ref name=glocon>{{cite web|url=http://www.glo-con.com/article/article_no/3022/|title=What are the oldest cities in America?|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=Glo-con.com}}</ref> The town has served as the location of several prominent events, one of the more notable being the [[Thanksgiving (United States)#Harvest festival observed by the Pilgrims at Plymouth|First Thanksgiving feast]]. Plymouth served as the capital of [[Plymouth Colony]] from its founding in 1620 until the colony's merger with the [[Massachusetts Bay Colony]] in 1691. It is named after [[Plymouth]], England where the ''Mayflower'' set sail for America. Plymouth is located approximately {{convert|40|mi|km}} south of [[Boston, Massachusetts]] in a region known as the [[South Shore (Massachusetts)|South Shore]]. Throughout the 19th century, the town thrived as a center of rope making, fishing, and shipping, and was home to the [[Plymouth Cordage Company]], formerly the world's largest rope making company. It continues to be an active port, but today its major industry is tourism.{{fact|date=November 2019}} The town is served by [[Plymouth Municipal Airport (Massachusetts)|Plymouth Municipal Airport]] and contains [[Pilgrim Hall Museum]], the oldest continually operating museum in the United States. It is the largest municipality in Massachusetts by area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/03/realestate/where-the-pilgrims-lived-megaprojects-now-loom.html|title=Where the Pilgrims Lived, Megaprojects Now Loom|last=Diesenhouse|first=Susan|accessdate=2009-07-17|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=2000-09-03}}</ref> The population was 58,271 as of the 2014 U.S. Census. It is one of two county seats of Plymouth County, the other being [[Brockton, Massachusetts|Brockton]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|accessdate=2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> ==History== ===Pre-colonial era=== Prior to the arrival of the Pilgrims, the location of Plymouth was a village of the [[Wampanoag (tribe)|Wampanoag]] tribe called [[Patuxet]].<ref>[[James Loewen]], ''[[Lies My Teacher Told Me]]'', Simon & Schuster: New York, 1995, {{ISBN|0-684-81886-8}}, pp. 90-91</ref> The region was visited twice by European explorers prior to the establishment of Plymouth Colony. In 1605, [[Samuel de Champlain]] sailed to [[Plymouth Harbor]], calling it Port St. Louis but during that time period the was a place call dick island and that's where all of the people went to get their things touched. [[John Smith (explorer)|Captain John Smith]] was a leader of the colony at [[Jamestown, Virginia]], and he explored parts of Cape Cod Bay and is credited with naming the region "New Plimouth."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://etext.virginia.edu/users/deetz/Plymouth/Maysource.html|title=Passengers on the Mayflower: Ages & Occupations, Origins & Connections|author=Patricia Scott Deetz|author2=James F. Deetz|work=The Plymouth Colony Archive Project|year=2000|accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> Two plagues afflicted coastal New England in 1614 and 1617, killing between 90% and 95% of the local Wampanoag inhabitants.<ref name="Loewen, 1995, pp. 80-86">Loewen, 1995, pp. 80-86</ref> The near disappearance of the tribe from the site left their cornfields and cleared areas vacant for the Pilgrims to occupy.<ref name="Loewen, 1995, pp. 80-86"/> ===Colonial era=== [[File:Landing-Bacon.PNG|thumb|left|"The Landing of the Pilgrims."(1877) by Henry A. Bacon. The [[Pilgrim (Plymouth Colony)|Pilgrims]] are traditionally said to have landed at [[Plymouth Rock]]]] Plymouth played a very important role in American colonial history. It was the final landing site of the first voyage of the ''[[Mayflower]]'' and the location of the original settlement of [[Plymouth Colony]]. Plymouth was established in December 1620 by English [[Puritans#Puritans and Separatists|separatist Puritans]] who had broken away from the [[Church of England]], believing that the Church had not completed the work of the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Today, these settlers are much better known as the "[[Pilgrim (Plymouth Colony)|Pilgrims]]", a term coined by [[William Bradford (Plymouth governor)|William Bradford]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/history/ |title=Pilgrims: Plymouth Its History and People|accessdate=2009-07-17|publisher=Historical Reference Center |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080116043600/http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/history/ |archivedate = 2008-01-16}}</ref> The Mayflower first anchored in the harbor of [[Provincetown, Massachusetts]] on November 11, 1620. The ship was headed for the mouth of the Hudson River near [[Manhattan]], which was part of the [[Colony of Virginia]] at the time, but it did not go beyond [[Cape Cod]].<ref name=Philbrick>Philbrick, Nathaniel (2006). Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War. New York: Penguin Group.</ref> The Pilgrim settlers realized that they did not have a patent to settle in the region, so they signed the [[Mayflower Compact]] prior to disembarking.<ref>Philbrick (2006) pp 41</ref> They explored various parts of Cape Cod and eventually sought a suitable location for a permanent settlement to the westward in [[Cape Cod Bay]]. They discovered the sheltered waters of [[Plymouth Harbor]] on December 17, and the protected bay led to a site for the new settlement after three days of surveying. The settlers officially disembarked on December 21, 1620. It is traditionally said that the Pilgrims first set foot in America at the site of [[Plymouth Rock]], though no historical evidence can prove this claim.<ref>Johnson, Paul (1997). A History of the American People. New York: HarperCollins.</ref> They named their settlement "Plimouth" (sometimes spelled "Plimoth") after the [[Plymouth|major port city]] in [[Devon|Devon, England]] from which the ''Mayflower'' ultimately sailed. [[File:The First Thanksgiving cph.3g04961.jpg|thumb|right|''The First Thanksgiving'', painted by [[Jean Leon Gerome Ferris]] (1863–1930). The First Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth in 1621]] ==== First Winter ==== Plymouth faced many difficulties during its first winter, the most notable being the risk of starvation and the lack of suitable shelter. From the beginning, the assistance of Native Americans was vital. One colonist's journal reports:<ref name=Loewen91>Loewen, 1995, p. 91</ref> <blockquote>We marched to the place we called Cornhill, where we had found the corn before. At another place we had seen before, we dug and found some more corn, two or three baskets full, and a bag of beans. ... In all we had about ten bushels, which will be enough for seed. It is with God's help that we found this corn, for how else could we have done it, without meeting some Indians who might trouble us.</blockquote> During their earlier exploration of the Cape, the Pilgrims had come upon a Native American burial site which contained corn, and they had taken the corn for future planting. On another occasion, they found an unoccupied house and had taken corn and beans, for which they made restitution with the occupants about six months later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mith.umd.edu/eada/html/display.php?docs=bradford_history.xml|title=Of Plymouth Plantation - Early Americas Digital Archive (EADA)|website=mith.umd.edu}}</ref> Even greater assistance came from [[Samoset]] and [[Squanto|Tisquantum]] (known as Squanto by the pilgrims), a Native American sent by [[Wampanoag (tribe)|Wampanoag Tribe]] [[Massasoit|Chief Massasoit]] as an ambassador and technical adviser. Squanto had been kidnapped in 1614 by an English slave raider and sold in [[Málaga]], Spain. He learned English, escaped slavery, and returned home in 1619. He taught the colonists how to farm corn, where and how to catch fish, and other helpful skills for the New World. He also was instrumental in the survival of the settlement for the first two years. Squanto and another guide sent by Massasoit in 1621 named [[Hobomok]] helped the colonists set up trading posts for furs.<ref>Loewen, 1995, pp. 92-93</ref> Chief Massasoit later formed a Peace Treaty with the Pilgrims. Upon growing a plentiful harvest in the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims gathered with Squanto, Samoset, Massasoit, and ninety other Wampanoag men in a celebration of thanksgiving to God for their plentiful harvest. This celebration is known today as the [[Thanksgiving (United States)#1621 Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims at Plymouth|First Thanksgiving]], and is still commemorated annually in downtown Plymouth with a parade and a reenactment. Since 1941, [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] has been observed as a [[federal holiday]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|last = Wilson|first = Jerry|title = The Thanksgiving Story|work = Holiday Page|publisher = Wilstar.com|year = 2001|url = http://wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm|accessdate = 2007-07-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = History of Thanksgiving: A Timeline|publisher = Twoop.com|year = 2006|url = http://www.twoop.com/holidays/archives/2005/11/thanksgiving.html|accessdate = 2007-07-31}}</ref> [[File:Signature of Josiah Cotton.jpg|thumbnail|A Plymouth deed signed by [[Josiah Cotton]] as Register of Deeds, Courtesy of Shiwei Jiang]] Plymouth served as the capital of [[Plymouth Colony]] (which consisted of modern-day [[Barnstable County, Massachusetts|Barnstable]], [[Bristol County, Massachusetts|Bristol]], and [[Plymouth County, Massachusetts|Plymouth]] Counties) from its founding in 1620 until 1691, when the colony was merged with the [[Massachusetts Bay Colony]] and other territories to form the [[Province of Massachusetts Bay]].<ref name=timeline>{{cite web|title=Timeline of Plymouth Colony 1620–1692 |publisher=Plimoth Plantation |year=2007 |url=http://www.plimoth.org/education/teachers/timeline.php |accessdate=2007-04-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070426131601/http://www.plimoth.org/education/teachers/timeline.php |archivedate=2007-04-26 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last = Demos | first = John | authorlink = John Putnam Demos | title = A Little Commonwealth: Family Life in Plymouth Colony | url = https://archive.org/details/littlecommonweal00demo | url-access = registration | publisher = Oxford University Press | year = 1970 | location = New York}} pp 17–18</ref><ref>{{cite book | last = Weinstein | first = Allen | authorlink = Allen Weinstein | author2 = David Rubel | title = The Story of America: Freedom and Crisis from Settlement to Superpower | publisher = DK Publishing | year = 2002 | location = New York | isbn = 0-7894-8903-1 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/storyofamericafr00wein }} pp 64–65</ref> Plymouth holds the unique distinction of being the first permanent settlement in New England, and one of the oldest settlements in the United States.<ref name=glocon/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1230058.stm|title=Timeline: United States of America|accessdate=2009-07-17|work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> ===19th century=== [[File:Cordage Park Tower.jpg|thumb|right|Cordage Commerce Center, North Plymouth]] In the 1800s, Plymouth remained a relatively isolated seacoast town whose livelihood depended on fishing and shipping.<ref name=top1620>{{cite web|url=http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ma/county/plymouth/towns/plymouth.htm|title=Town of Plymouth, Established 1620|accessdate=2007-07-14|publisher=Usgennet.org}}</ref> The town eventually became a regional center of shipbuilding and fishing. Its principal industry was the [[Plymouth Cordage Company]], founded in 1824,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cordagecommercecenter.com/flash_content/history.htm|title=Cordage Company: Storied Past|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Cordage Commerce Center |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200510/http://www.cordagecommercecenter.com/flash_content/history.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-27}}</ref> which became the world's largest manufacturer of rope and cordage products. At one point, the longest ropewalk in the world was found on the Cordage Company's site on the [[North Plymouth, Massachusetts|North Plymouth]] waterfront, a quarter-mile (0.4&nbsp;km) in length. It thrived into the 1960s, but was forced out of business in 1964 due to competition from synthetic-fiber ropes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysticseaport.org/library/Manuscripts/coll/coll133/coll133.html |title=Records of the Plymouth Cordage Company (Coll. 133), History of the Plymouth Cordage Company|accessdate=2009-07-17|publisher=[[Mystic Seaport]] |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927202800/http://www.mysticseaport.org/library/Manuscripts/coll/coll133/coll133.html |archivedate = 2007-09-27}}</ref> The refurbished factory is home to numerous offices, restaurants, and stores, known as Cordage Commerce Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cordagecommercecenter.com/flash_content/property.htm|title=The Property, Property Highlights|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Cordage Commerce Center |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200523/http://www.cordagecommercecenter.com/flash_content/property.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-09-27}}</ref> ===Modern history=== Plymouth has experienced rapid growth and development in recent years. It became more accessible to [[Boston]] in the early 1970s with improved railroads, highways, and bus routes, and the town's inexpensive land costs and low tax rates were factors in the town's significant population rise, which grew from 18,606 residents in 1970 to 45,608 residents in 1990, a 145% increase in 20 years.<ref name="top1620"/> Plymouth has surpassed several Massachusetts cities in population, but it is still officially regarded as a town and continues to be governed by a board of selectmen rather than a mayor. Plymouth spans several exits on the town's primary highway [[Massachusetts Route 3]]. Additional access is possible via an extension to [[U.S. Route 44 in Massachusetts]]. ==Geography== {{See also|Neighborhoods in Plymouth, Massachusetts}} [[File:Plymouth Landsat.jpg|thumb|right|A simulated-color satellite image of the Plymouth Bay region taken on [[NASA]]'s [[Landsat 3]]]] The latitude of Plymouth is 41.95833 and its longitude is −70.66778.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.placenames.com/us/p615295/%7ctitle=Plymouth%7caccessdate=2007-08-11%7cpublisher=Placenames.com|title=Plymouth|author=Robert Hoare|access-date=2015-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222233552/https://www.placenames.com/us/p615295/%7ctitle=Plymouth%7caccessdate=2007-08-11%7cpublisher=Placenames.com|archive-date=2015-12-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|134.0|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|96.5|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}} is land, and {{convert|37.5|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}} (28%) is water. With the largest land area of any municipality in [[Massachusetts]], Plymouth consists of several [[Neighborhoods in Plymouth, Massachusetts|neighborhoods and geographical sections]]. Larger localities in the town include [[Plymouth Center, Massachusetts|Plymouth Center]], [[North Plymouth, Massachusetts|North]], [[West Plymouth, Massachusetts|West]] and [[South Plymouth, Massachusetts|South Plymouth]], [[Manomet, Massachusetts|Manomet]], [[Cedarville, Massachusetts|Cedarville]], and [[Saquish Head|Saquish Neck]]. Plymouth makes up the entire western shore of [[Cape Cod Bay]]. It is bordered on land by [[Bourne, Massachusetts|Bourne]] to the southeast, [[Wareham, Massachusetts|Wareham]] to the southwest, [[Carver, Massachusetts|Carver]] to the west, and [[Kingston, Massachusetts|Kingston]] to the north. It also shares a small border with [[Duxbury, Massachusetts|Duxbury]] at the land entrance of Saquish Neck.<ref name=gaz>{{cite web|url=http://capecodhistory.us/Mass1890/Plymouth1890.htm |title=Plymouth Massachusetts 1890|accessdate=2007-08-10|publisher=Massachusetts Gazetteer, 1890}}</ref> Plymouth's border with Bourne makes up most of the line between [[Plymouth County, Massachusetts|Plymouth]] and [[Barnstable County, Massachusetts|Barnstable]] counties. The town is located roughly {{convert|44|mi|km}} southeast of [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] (it is almost exactly {{convert|40|mi|km}} from [[Plymouth Rock]] to the [[Massachusetts State House]]) and equidistantly east of [[Providence, Rhode Island|Providence]], [[Rhode Island]].{{fact|date=November 2019}} [[File:Plymouth Beach, Massachusetts.JPG|thumb|left|[[Plymouth Beach, Massachusetts|Plymouth Beach]], one of Plymouth's many beaches]] Located in the [[Plymouth Pinelands]], the town of Plymouth has many distinct geographical features. The town's Atlantic coast is characterized by low plains, while its western sections are extremely hilly and forested. Plymouth contains several small ponds scattered throughout its western quadrant, the largest being the [[Great Herring Pond]] (which is partly in the town of Bourne).<ref name=gaz /> A major feature of the town is the [[Myles Standish State Forest]], which is in the southwestern region.<ref name=forest>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/mssf.htm|title=Myles Standish State Forest|accessdate=2007-08-11 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation}}</ref> [[Camp Cachalot|Cachalot Scout Reservation]], operated by the Cachalot District of the Narragansett Council of the [[Boy Scouts of America]], lies adjacent to the state forest lands. There is also a smaller town forest, as well as several parks, recreation areas and beaches. Plymouth has nine public beaches, the largest being [[Plymouth Beach, Massachusetts|Plymouth Beach]]. Plymouth Beach guards [[Plymouth Harbor]] and mostly consists of a three-mile (5&nbsp;km) long, ecologically significant [[barrier beach]]. [[Clark's Island]], a small island in [[Plymouth Bay]], is the only island in Plymouth. It is off the coast of Saquish Neck and has nine summer houses but no year-round inhabitants. ==Climate== [[File:Town Square Plymouth.JPG|thumb|right|[[The First Parish Church in Plymouth]] is located in Plymouth Center]] Plymouth has a [[humid continental climate]] (''Dfb'') which is the predominant climate for Massachusetts. Due to its location on the [[Atlantic Ocean]], humidity levels can be very high year-round. Plymouth's coastal location causes it to experience warmer temperatures than many inland locations in New England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-ne1.html|title=USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map|publisher=US Department of Agriculture - The United States National Arboretum|date=March 2, 2006|accessdate=2007-01-19|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303152208/http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-ne1.html|archivedate=March 3, 2015}}</ref> Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cold, windy and often snowy. Plymouth's warmest month is July, with an average high temperature of {{convert|80.6|°F|°C|abbr=on|lk=on}} and an average low of {{convert|61.6|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. The coldest month is January, with an average high temperature of {{convert|38.1|°F|°C|abbr=on}} and an average low of {{convert|20.1|°F|°C|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=684691&units=|title=Plymouth, Massachusetts Average Temperature|accessdate=2014-04-15|publisher=Weatherbase}}</ref> Much like the rest of the Northeastern seaboard, Plymouth receives ample amounts of precipitation year-round. On average, summer months receive slightly less precipitation than winter months. Plymouth averages about {{convert|47.4|in|cm}} of rainfall a year. Plymouth, like other coastal Massachusetts towns, is very vulnerable to [[Nor'easter]] weather systems. The town is sometimes vulnerable to Atlantic [[hurricane]]s and [[Tropical cyclone#Intensity classifications|tropical storms]], which infrequently threaten the Cape Cod region during the early autumn months. <center>{{Weather box |location = Plymouth, Massachusetts |single line = Y |Jan record high F = 70 |Feb record high F = 71 |Mar record high F = 87 |Apr record high F = 94 |May record high F = 95 |Jun record high F = 102 |Jul record high F = 102 |Aug record high F = 102 |Sep record high F = 100 |Oct record high F = 88 |Nov record high F = 82 |Dec record high F = 77 |year record high F = 102 |Jan high F = 38.1 |Feb high F = 38.9 |Mar high F = 46.1 |Apr high F = 55.9 |May high F = 66.4 |Jun high F = 75.6 |Jul high F = 80.6 |Aug high F = 78.7 |Sep high F = 71.9 |Oct high F = 62.7 |Nov high F = 52.3 |Dec high F = 41.7 |year high F = 59.1 |Jan mean F = 29.1 |Feb mean F = 29.7 |Mar mean F = 37.0 |Apr mean F = 46.3 |May mean F = 56.1 |Jun mean F = 65.5 |Jul mean F = 71.1 |Aug mean F = 69.6 |Sep mean F = 62.7 |Oct mean F = 53.1 |Nov mean F = 43.5 |Dec mean F = 33.1 |year mean F= 49.7 |Jan low F = 20.1 |Feb low F = 20.3 |Mar low F = 27.8 |Apr low F = 36.5 |May low F = 45.8 |Jun low F = 55.4 |Jul low F = 61.6 |Aug low F = 60.5 |Sep low F = 53.5 |Oct low F = 43.5 |Nov low F = 34.6 |Dec low F = 24.4 |year low F = 40.3 |Jan record low F = −19 |Feb record low F = −15 |Mar record low F = −5 |Apr record low F = 13 |May record low F = 25 |Jun record low F = 33 |Jul record low F = 42 |Aug record low F = 40 |Sep record low F = 32 |Oct record low F = 17 |Nov record low F = 3 |Dec record low F = −14 |year record low F = −19 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation inch = 4.1 |Feb precipitation inch = 3.9 |Mar precipitation inch = 4.6 |Apr precipitation inch = 4.3 |May precipitation inch = 3.6 |Jun precipitation inch = 3.4 |Jul precipitation inch = 3.2 |Aug precipitation inch = 3.8 |Sep precipitation inch = 3.9 |Oct precipitation inch = 3.9 |Nov precipitation inch = 4.4 |Dec precipitation inch = 4.3 |year precipitation inch = 47.4 |Jan snow inch = 10.5 |Feb snow inch = 10.8 |Mar snow inch = 6.3 |Apr snow inch = 1.3 |May snow inch = 0.0 |Jun snow inch = 0.0 |Jul snow inch = 0.0 |Aug snow inch = 0.0 |Sep snow inch = 0.0 |Oct snow inch = 0.0 |Nov snow inch = 0.9 |Dec snow inch = 5.9 |year snow inch = 35.7 |unit precipitation days = 0.01 in |Jan precipitation days = 10 |Feb precipitation days = 9 |Mar precipitation days = 10 |Apr precipitation days = 10 |May precipitation days = 10 |Jun precipitation days = 9 |Jul precipitation days = 9 |Aug precipitation days = 9 |Sep precipitation days = 8 |Oct precipitation days = 8 |Nov precipitation days = 9 |Dec precipitation days = 10 |year precipitation days = 111 |source 1 = Weatherbase,<ref name= Weatherbase> {{cite web |url = http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=684691&units= |title = Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States of America |publisher = [Weatherbase] |accessdate = April 15, 2014}}</ref> }} </center> ==Demographics== {{See also|List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income}} {{Historical populations | type=USA | 1790|2995 | 1800|3524 | 1810|4228 | 1820|4348 | 1830|4758 | 1840|5281 | 1850|6024 | 1860|6272 | 1870|6238 | 1880|7093 | 1890|7314 | 1900|9592 | 1910|12141 | 1920|13045 | 1930|13042 | 1940|13100 | 1950|13608 | 1960|14445 | 1970|18606 | 1980|35913 | 1990|45608 | 2000|51701 | 2010|56468 | footnote={{Historical populations/Massachusetts municipalities references}} }} [[File:Monument to the Forefathers 1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[National Monument to the Forefathers]]]] As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=American FactFinder}}</ref> of 2010, there were 56,468 people, 21,269 households, and 14,742 families residing in the town; by population it is the largest town in Massachusetts. It is also the [[List of municipalities in Massachusetts|21st–largest municipality]] in the state. The [[population density]] was {{convert|536.0|PD/sqmi|/sqkm}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1|title=American FactFinder - Results|author=Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS)|publisher=}}</ref> There are 21,250 housing units, at an average density of {{convert|85.1|/sqkm|/sqmi|abbr=on}}. The racial makeup of the town was 93.8% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.9% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], <0.1% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.9% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.48% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.8% of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1|title=U.S Census for Plymouth, Massachusetts}}</ref> There are 21,269 households out of which 29.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 23.7% of all households are made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.04. In the town, the population is spread out with 24.3% under the age of 20, 10.7% from 20 to 29, 28.8% from 30 to 49, 22.2% from 50 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.4 years. The median income for a household in the town was $54,677 as of the 2000 census, and the median income for a family was $63,266.{{fact|date=November 2019}} Males had a median income of $44,983 versus $31,565 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $23,732. About 4.4% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over. ==Government== [[File:Plymouth County Courthouse.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Plymouth County, Massachusetts|Plymouth County]] Courthouse, located in Plymouth]] Plymouth is represented in the [[Massachusetts House of Representatives]] as a part of the First and Twelfth Plymouth Districts. The town is represented in the [[Massachusetts Senate]] as a part of the Plymouth and Barnstable district, which also includes [[Bourne, Massachusetts|Bourne]], [[Falmouth, Massachusetts|Falmouth]], [[Kingston, Massachusetts|Kingston]], [[Pembroke, Massachusetts|Pembroke]], and [[Sandwich, Massachusetts|Sandwich]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mass.gov/legis/citytown.htm |title=Index of Legislative Representation by City and Town|accessdate=2009-07-17|publisher=Mass.gov |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929115141/http://www.mass.gov/legis/citytown.htm |archivedate=2007-09-29}}</ref> On the state level, primary but shared patrolling responsibility of the town's limited access highways falls upon the Seventh (Bourne) Barracks of Troop D of the [[Massachusetts State Police]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Law+Enforcement+%26+Criminal+Justice&L2=Law+Enforcement&L3=State+Police+Troops&L4=Troop+D&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=msp_divisions_field_services_troops_troop_d_msp_field_troop_d_station_d7&csid=Eeops |title=Station D-7, SP Bourne |accessdate=2007-08-09 |publisher=Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS) |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313050311/http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Law%2BEnforcement%2B&%2BCriminal%2BJustice&L2=Law%2BEnforcement&L3=State%2BPolice%2BTroops&L4=Troop%2BD&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=msp_divisions_field_services_troops_troop_d_msp_field_troop_d_station_d7&csid=Eeops |archivedate=March 13, 2007}}</ref> On the national level, Plymouth is a part of [[Massachusetts's 9th congressional district]], and is currently represented by [[William R. Keating]]. The state's senior (Class I) member of the [[United States Senate]] is [[Elizabeth Warren]]. The state's current junior (Class II) Senator is [[Edward Markey]]. On the local level, the town uses the [[representative town meeting]] form of government, led by a [[town manager]] and a [[board of selectmen]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_BOS/index|title=Town Departments: Board of Selectmen|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Town of Plymouth, MA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811053321/http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_BOS/index|archive-date=2007-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> The current town manager of Plymouth is Melissa Arrighi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Admin/index|title=Town Departments: Town Manager|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Town of Plymouth, MA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811053027/http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Admin/index|archive-date=2007-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> Plymouth has a centralized municipal police force, the Plymouth Police Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Police/index|title=Town Departments: Police Department|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Town of Plymouth, MA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811053313/http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Police/index|archive-date=2007-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> The town also has a professional fire department, with seven firehouses spread around the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Fire/index|title=Town Departments: Fire Department|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Town of Plymouth, MA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811053210/http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/Public_Documents/PlymouthMA_Fire/index|archive-date=2007-08-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are also six post offices for the town's five [[ZIP code]]s, with one in the downtown area, one in [[North Plymouth, Massachusetts|North Plymouth]], one in [[Manomet, Massachusetts|Manomet]], one in [[White Horse Beach, Massachusetts|White Horse Beach]], one near the Plymouth County Jail, and one near the town forest in "The Village Green" shopping area of [[The Pinehills]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yp.yahoo.com/yp/Plymouth_MA/Community_Post_Offices/8104728.html|title=Plymouth MA Community Post Offices|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=Yahoo Local Pages}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinehillsvillagegreen.com/shops/index.php|title=The Village Green, Shops and Services|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=[[The Pinehills]]}}</ref> The town has a public library, with a branch location in Manomet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouthpubliclibrary.org/manometbranch.htm|title=Manomet Branch|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plymouth Public Library|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070801235024/http://www.plymouthpubliclibrary.org/manometbranch.htm|archive-date=2007-08-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> Both libraries are a part of the [[Old Colony Library Network]], which services 28 libraries throughout the [[South Shore (Massachusetts)|South Shore]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocln.org/wp-public/?page_id=4|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120908050453/http://www.ocln.org/wp-public/?page_id=4|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-09-08|title=About OCLN|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=[[Old Colony Library Network]]}}</ref> Additionally, as a seat of Plymouth County, there are several county facilities located in Plymouth. These include a County farm, the Registry of Deeds, two jails (the [[Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Plymouth]] and the [[Plymouth County Correctional Facility]]) and the County Courthouse.. ==Economy== [[File:The Pinehills Village Green.JPG|thumb|left|[[The Pinehills]] residential development]] Plymouth's major industry is tourism, with healthcare, technical and scientific research, real estate, and telecommunications also being primary industries.{{fact|date=November 2019}} The largest employer in the town is [[Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center]]. Plymouth has experienced commercial and industrial success, with the downtown area and [[North Plymouth, Massachusetts|North Plymouth]] each becoming commercial centers and an industrial park opening outside of the town center. ''[[Colony Place]]'' was completed in late 2007, located near the industrial park. It consists of several large retail stores and various chain restaurants, and it contains one of the largest designer outlet malls on the South Shore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://colonyplace.com/|title=Colony Place|accessdate=2008-10-08|publisher=Colony Place}}</ref> Plymouth has also recently seen the development of several residential projects, among them ''[[The Pinehills]]'' which consists of 1,000 residential units, two golf courses, a country club, and a shopping village,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pinehills.com/|title=Behind the Pinehills|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=The Pinehills}}</ref> completed in 2010. It is expected to contain 2,877 homes.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pinehills.com/behind/articles/yankee/index.php |title=Is this the new New England?|last=Gaines|first=Judith|accessdate=2009-07-17|magazine=Yankee Magazine |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000848/http://www.pinehills.com/behind/articles/yankee/index.php |archivedate = 2007-09-27}}</ref> ==Education== {{See also|Plymouth Public Schools}} [[File:Nathaniel Morton Elementary School.JPG|thumb|left|The Nathaniel Morton Elementary School in [[Plymouth Center, Massachusetts|Plymouth Center]]]] Plymouth operates a large school system, with an enrollment over 8,000 students. The [[Plymouth Public Schools|Plymouth School District]] is one of the largest in the state, operating fourteen schools. This is larger than the Massachusetts average of eight schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/38376|title=Plymouth South High School|accessdate=2007-08-18|publisher=Public School Review}}</ref> The school district operates 86 school buses under contract with [[FirstGroup|First Student]] bus company. The schools in Plymouth include the Mount Pleasant Preschool, eight [[elementary school]]s (Cold Spring, Federal Furnace, Hedge, Indian Brook, Manomet, Nathanial Morton, South and West Elementaries) which generally serve students from kindergarten to fifth grade, two [[middle school]]s that serve grades 5–8, Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) and Plymouth South Middle School, and two [[high school]]s, [[Plymouth North High School|Plymouth North]] and [[Plymouth South High School|Plymouth South]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouthschools.com/|title=Our Schools|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plymouth School District}}</ref> Both high schools play in the Atlantic Coast League, and the two schools share a rivalry with each other. Students who decide to receive a technical education have the option of attending either [[Plymouth South High School#Plymouth South Technical School|Plymouth South Technical School]] or Plymouth North which now offers Technical studies in either Engineering or Facilities management . There were also 120 home educated children in Plymouth as of 2011.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}} There is also a [[charter school]] in the town, [[Rising Tide Charter Public School]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.risingtide.org/|title=About Our School|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Rising Tide Charter Public School}}</ref> which serves middle and high school-aged students. Two special education schools, the Baird School and the Radius Pediatric School, are located in the town. The town has two institutions of higher learning. [[Quincy College]] has a campus located in Cordage Park. The Plymouth campus opened in 1991, and the college's main campus is in [[Quincy, Massachusetts|Quincy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quincycollege.edu/qc/about/history.htm|title=About Quincy College|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=[[Quincy College]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820093511/http://www.quincycollege.edu/qc/about/history.htm|archive-date=2007-08-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Curry College]] has a campus at the northern edge of Plymouth Center in the [[Citizens Financial Group|Citizens Bank]] building. The campus opened in 1994, and the main campus is located in [[Milton, Massachusetts|Milton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.curry.edu/Academics/Continuing+Education/Locations/Plymouth+Campus.htm |title=Plymouth Campus |accessdate=2007-07-31 |publisher=[[Curry College]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701233413/http://www.curry.edu/Academics/Continuing%2BEducation/Locations/Plymouth%2BCampus.htm |archivedate=2007-07-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> While the [[University of Massachusetts Boston]] does not have a campus in Plymouth, it offers some courses at another location in Cordage Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccde.umb.edu/plymouth/|title=Plymouth|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=[[University of Massachusetts Boston]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628184856/http://ccde.umb.edu/plymouth/|archive-date=2007-06-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Healthcare== [[File:Jordan Hospital Plymouth, MA Cropped Version.JPG|thumb|right|Plymouth's Beth Israel Deaconess – Plymouth Hospital [[Jordan Hospital]]]] Plymouth is home to Beth Israel Deaconess – Plymouth Hospital (Jordan Hospital), the largest hospital in the southern region of the South Shore. It is the only major healthcare provider in the town. The hospital is a community medical center serving twelve towns in Plymouth and Barnstable counties. It consists of more than 30 departments, with 150 patient beds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordanhospital.org/|title=Welcome to Jordan Hospital|accessdate=2007-07-14|publisher=[[Jordan Hospital]]}}</ref> The hospital also offers a rehabilitation center in [[The Pinehills]] region. While Beth Israel Deaconess – Plymouth Hospital (Jordan Hospital) is the only hospital in Plymouth. South Shore Hospital operates several offices and physician labs in [[South Pond, Massachusetts|South Pond]]. South Shore Hospital, in [[Weymouth, Massachusetts|South Weymouth]], is the largest hospital in southeastern Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southshorehospital.org/about_ssh/about_home3.htm |title=About South Shore Hospital|accessdate=2009-07-17|publisher=South Shore Hospital |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071009120812/http://www.southshorehospital.org/about_ssh/about_home3.htm |archivedate=2007-10-09}}</ref> ==Transportation== ===Highways=== Plymouth lies along the "Pilgrims Highway" portion of [[Route 3 (Massachusetts)|Route 3]], which is the major route between Cape Cod and Boston. The town can be accessed from six exits on the highway, which is more than any other municipality along the Pilgrims Highway. Plymouth is also the eastern terminus of [[U.S. Route 44]]. The route has changed recently, as a new divided highway section has linked it to Route 3, before heading south and exiting at its old location before terminating at [[Massachusetts Route 3A (south)|Route 3A]], which more closely follows the shoreline and passes through Plymouth Center. [[Massachusetts Route 80|Route 80]]'s western terminus is at its intersection with old Route 44. [[Massachusetts Route 25|Route 25]] goes through a remote section of the town north of [[Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts|Buzzards Bay]], but does not have an exit. Finally, the short [[Plimoth Plantation Highway]] allows easy access between Routes 3 and 3A, with an exit that allows direct entry to [[Plimoth Plantation]]'s parking area. The highway is north of Manomet and south of Plymouth Center. ===Rail=== [[File:Plymouth station facing inbound 1.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Plymouth (MBTA station)|Plymouth MBTA station]], located in Cordage Park]] Plymouth is one of two termini of the Kingston/Plymouth [[Old Colony Lines (MBTA)|Old Colony Line]] of the [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]]'s commuter rail, providing non-peak service to [[Braintree (MBTA station)|Braintree]] and as far north as Boston's [[South Station]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/|title=Commuter Rail Maps and Schedules|accessdate=2007-08-20|publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]]}}</ref> The [[Plymouth (MBTA station)|Plymouth MBTA station]] is near Cordage Park in [[North Plymouth, Massachusetts|North Plymouth]], along Route 3A.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/stations/default.asp?stopId=159&lat=41.981184&lng=-70.692514|title=Plymouth|accessdate=2007-08-20|publisher=[[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]]}}</ref> (The other terminus is in [[Kingston, Massachusetts|Kingston]] and has more frequent train arrivals and departures. Its [[Kingston/Route 3 (MBTA station)|station]] is behind the [[Independence Mall (Massachusetts)|Independence Mall]].) No other railroad lines pass through the town. ===Ferry=== There is a seasonal ferry to [[Provincetown, Massachusetts|Provincetown]] and several other excursion lines that offer cruises of [[Plymouth Bay]] and [[Cape Cod Bay]]. The ferry is operated by ''Capt. John Boats'' and offers one round trip daily from June to September. The ferry leaves from the State Wharf in Plymouth Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.provincetownferry.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981205012151/http://www.provincetownferry.com/|url-status=dead|archive-date=1998-12-05|title=Provincetown Ferry|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Capt. John Boats}}</ref> In addition to the ferry, [[Plymouth Harbor]] offers service for harbor excursions, [[whale watching]] tours, and deep sea fishing. ===Bus=== The Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company offers scheduled service to Logan Airport, downtown Boston, Hyannis, and Provincetown. Buses can be boarded at the commuter parking lot at exit 5 off [[Route 3 (Massachusetts)|Route 3]], behind the [[McDonald's]] rest stop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.p-b.com/Fares.html#agencies|title=Terminals and Ticket Agencies|accessdate=2009-07-17|publisher=Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co.}}</ref> The [[Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority]] (GATRA) operates public transportation buses known as the Plymouth Area Link (PAL) throughout much of Plymouth and Kingston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gatra.org/|title=Plymouth Area Link: Information|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=[[Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority]]}}</ref> ===Air=== [[File:Plymouth Airport2.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Plymouth Municipal Airport (Massachusetts)|Plymouth Municipal Airport]]]] The town is home to the [[Plymouth Municipal Airport (Massachusetts)|Plymouth Municipal Airport]], which lies on the border between Plymouth and [[Carver, Massachusetts|Carver]]. Founded in 1931, it offers scheduled service to [[Nantucket, Massachusetts|Nantucket]], as well as private service. The airport features a local restaurant and gift shop, but does not have an on-site traffic [[control tower]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pymairport.org/index.htm|title=History of Plymouth Airport|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plymouth Municipal Airport}}</ref> [[Barnstable Municipal Airport]], in [[Hyannis, Massachusetts|Hyannis]], offers additional scheduled carrier service.{{fact|date=November 2019}} The airport offers scheduled flight services to Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] and [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/departments/airport/05/passengerservices/airlines.htm|title=Barnstable Municipal Airport: Airlines|accessdate=2007-08-12|publisher=[[Barnstable Municipal Airport]]}}</ref> It is approximately {{convert|30|mi|abbr=on}} from Plymouth. The nearest national and international airport is [[Logan International Airport]] in Boston, roughly {{convert|43|mi|abbr=on}} away. [[T.F. Green Airport]], a state airport located in [[Warwick, Rhode Island]], is about {{convert|63|mi|abbr=on}} away. ==Sports== Plymouth is the home of the [[New England Collegiate Baseball League]]'s [[Plymouth Pilgrims (NECBL)|Plymouth Pilgrims]], who play their home games at Forges Field. ==Points of interest== Promoted as ''America's Hometown'', Plymouth is a tourist destination noted for its heritage. The town is home to several notable sites. ===Plymouth Rock=== {{Main|Plymouth Rock}} [[File:Plymouth Rock, Plymouth, MA, jjron 03.05.2012.jpg|right|thumb|[[Plymouth Rock]], inscribed with 1620, the year of the Pilgrims' landing in the ''[[Mayflower]]'']] [[File:Plymouth Rock Monument.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Plymouth Rock]] Monument]] Plymouth Rock is one of Plymouth's most famous attractions. Traditionally, the rock is said to be the disembarkation site of the [[Pilgrims (Plymouth Colony)|Pilgrims]]. The first identification of Plymouth Rock as the actual landing site was made in 1741 by 94-year-old Thomas Faunce, whose father had arrived in Plymouth in 1623, three years after the arrival of the ''Mayflower''.<ref>Philbrick (2006) pp 351-356</ref> The rock is located roughly {{convert|650|ft|m}} from where the initial settlement was thought to be built. Plymouth Rock became very famous after its identification as the supposed landing site of the Pilgrims, and was subsequently moved to a location in Plymouth Center. During the process, the rock split in two. It was later moved to [[Pilgrim Hall Museum|Pilgrim Hall]] and then to a location under a granite Victorian Canopy, where it was easily accessible and subject to souvenir hunters. The rock was finally moved back to its original location along the town's waterfront in 1921. "Plymouth Rock", a large boulder, now sits under the historic Plymouth Rock Portico. The Neo-Classical Revival structure was designed by the highly influential architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, designers of the Boston Public Library, Rhode Island State House and the former Pennsylvania Station in New York City. Built in 1921 the existing granite portico replaced an earlier Gothic Revival style monument designed by Hammatt Billings (who also designed the National Monument to the Forefathers). In 1970 the Plymouth Rock Portico was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The rock and portico are the centerpiece of [[Pilgrim Memorial State Park]]. The park is the smallest park in the Massachusetts state forest and park system, but is also the most heavily visited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/plgm.htm|title=Pilgrim Memorial State Park|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation}}</ref> ===Plimoth Plantation=== {{Main|Plimoth Plantation}} [[File:Plimoth Plantation 2002.JPG|right|thumb|Plimoth Plantation]] [[File:Plymouth 400 Booth.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A booth for Plymouth 400, a group planning events for the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony.|A booth for Plymouth 400, a group planning events for the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony.]] [[Plimoth Plantation]] is a [[living history museum]] located south of Plymouth Center. It consists of a re-creation of the Plymouth settlement in 1627, as well as a replica of a 17th-century Wampanoag homesite. The museum features role playing tour guides, as well as a large crafts center. The Nye Barn, a replica of a 1627 farming homestead in Plymouth, is also part of the museum. The farm features several animals that would have been found in Plymouth Colony, but are very rare in modern times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plimoth.org/features/nye.php|title=The Nye Barn at Plimoth Plantation|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plimoth Plantation|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726115348/http://www.plimoth.org/features/nye.php <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archivedate=2007-07-26}}</ref> The museum opened in 1947 under the guidance of Henry Hornblower II, a wealthy Boston stockbroker who grew up in Plymouth.<ref>{{cite news| title=Henry Hornblower 2d (obituary)| author=Associated Press| newspaper=The New York Times| date=October 23, 1985| page=B6}}</ref> The museum originally consisted of the ''Mayflower II'' and a "First House" exhibit in Plymouth Center, but was expanded into a large fortified town and a Native American village by 1960. ===Mayflower II=== {{Main|Mayflower II}} [[File:Plymouth Mayflower II.jpg|thumb|right|The ''[[Mayflower II]]'', located in [[Plymouth Harbor]], is considered to be a faithful replica of the original ''[[Mayflower]]''.]] The ''[[Mayflower II]]'' is a full-size replica of the ''[[Mayflower]]'', the ship which brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620. It is located at the State Pier in Plymouth Center. The ship is open as a museum about the Pilgrims' historic voyage from [[Plymouth]], England, and is considered a faithful replica of the original ''Mayflower''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/|title=Mayflower II|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plimoth Plantation|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726115455/http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/|archivedate=2007-07-26}}</ref> It is officially a part of Plimoth Plantation. The ship was built in [[Brixham]], England in 1956, and sailed to Plymouth across the [[Atlantic Ocean]] in 1957 by famous mariner [[Alan Villiers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/journey/|title=The Journey of the Mayflower II|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plimoth Plantation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726120222/https://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/journey/|archive-date=2007-07-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ship is still [[Seakeeping|seaworthy]], and routinely takes voyages around Plymouth Harbor. In the year 2007, the ''Mayflower II'' celebrated the 50th anniversary of its arrival in Plymouth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/50th.php|title=Mayflower II: 50th Celebrations|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Plimoth. Currently, Mayflower II is in Mystic Seaport, Connecticut undergoing restoration work and its return to Plymouth is set for spring 2019. Plantation|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726114936/http://www.plimoth.org/features/mayflower-2/50th.php <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archivedate=2007-07-26}}</ref> ===Other sites=== ====Historic interest==== In addition to the Plymouth Rock Memorial, several other monuments were constructed in celebration of Plymouth's tricentennial. These include statues of [[Massasoit]] and [[William Bradford (Plymouth governor)|William Bradford]], and a sarcophagus containing the bones of the 51 Pilgrims who died in the winter of 1620, which rests atop [[Cole's Hill]]. [[Pilgrim Hall Museum]], founded in 1824, is the oldest continually operating museum in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pilgrimhall.org/plgrmhll.htm|title=Pilgrim Hall Museum: America's museum of Pilgrim's possessions|accessdate=2007-07-31|publisher=Pilgrim Hall|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726114202/http://www.pilgrimhall.org/plgrmhll.htm|archivedate=2007-07-26}}</ref> It is located in Plymouth Center. Plymouth also features the [[National Monument to the Forefathers]], which was dedicated in 1889.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plymouthguide.com/monument.html |title=Forefathers Monument|author=Plymouth Guide|accessdate=2009-07-17 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20051023014629/http://www.plymouthguide.com/monument.html |archivedate = 2005-10-23}}</ref> Standing at {{convert|81|ft|m}} tall, it is the tallest free-standing solid granite monument in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-forefathers.htm |title=National Monument to the Forefathers |accessdate=2007-08-11 |publisher=[[Department of Conservation and Recreation (Massachusetts)]] |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929133531/http://mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-forefathers.htm |archivedate=2007-09-29 }}</ref> Other notable historical sites include the [[Plimoth Grist Mill]], a working replica of an original mill built in 1636 (also officially a part of Plimoth Plantation), as well as the 1640 [[Richard Sparrow House]], the oldest house still standing in Plymouth. At the edge of the town on [[Massachusetts Route 80|Route 80]] is [[Parting Ways (Plymouth, Massachusetts)|Parting Ways]], a {{convert|94|acre|m2|adj=on}} site that is notable for containing the remains of four former [[Slavery in the United States|slaves]] who fought in the [[American Revolutionary War]] and their families.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.partingwaysplymouth.org/|title=Let Freedom Ring|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=Parting Ways Museum|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828044726/http://www.partingwaysplymouth.org/|archive-date=2007-08-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other historic houses include the [[Mayflower House Museum]]. There are 21 locations in Plymouth that appear on the [[National Register of Historic Places]], including Plymouth Rock, Cole's Hill, and Pilgrim Hall. ====Parks and recreation==== [[Myles Standish State Forest]], the Commonwealth's second largest state forest, is located in Plymouth. It is a camping and hiking destination, and contains 16 freshwater lakes and ponds.<ref name=forest/> It is home to [[Pinewoods Dance Camp]], a traditional dance and music camp listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Pinewoods |url=https://www.pinewoods.org/about/ |website=Pinewoods |accessdate=16 September 2018}}</ref> [[Ellisville Harbor State Park]], located in the extreme southern portion of the town, contains a natural beach inside [[Cape Cod Bay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ells.htm|title=Ellisville Harbor State Park|accessdate=2007-08-11|publisher=Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation}}</ref> Plymouth is also home to 11 public and private golf courses, which include Squirrel Run, [[The Pinehills#Golf courses|Pinehills]], [[Plymouth Country Club]], and Southers Marsh, a course that runs through a series of actively maintained cranberry bogs. ==Notable people== <!-- NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * *NOTICE * * * NOTICE * * * NOTICE Only those who already have a Wikipedia article may be included in this section. An external reliable source of their residency should be cited here. All others will be deleted without notice. Guidelines for notability can be found by reviewing WP:BIO. END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * * END OF NOTICE * * * * * * * * * * * *END OF NOTICE --> {| class="wikitable sortable" |- !Name !!Born !!Died !!class="unsortable"|Notability and relation to Plymouth |- |data-sort-value="Warren"|[[James Warren (politician)|James Warren]] ||1726 ||1808 ||president of the Massachusetts provincial legislature and prominent colonial-era politician. |- |data-sort-value="Watson"|[[Elkanah Watson]] ||1758 ||1842 ||[[American Revolution]] patriot, associate of [[John Brown (Rhode Island)]], [[Travel literature]] writer |- |data-sort-value="Matson"|[[Aaron Matson]] ||1770 ||1855 ||a [[United States Representative]] from [[New Hampshire]], born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite dictionary |title=Matson, Aaron |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M000247 |accessdate=2007-07-31 |dictionary=[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Davee"|[[Thomas Davee]] ||1797 ||1841 ||United States Representative from Maine, born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite dictionary |url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=D000068 |title=Davee, Thomas |accessdate=2007-07-31 |dictionary=[[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]]}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Ames"|[[Oliver Ames, Jr.]] ||1807 ||1877 ||railroad official, former resident of Plymouth<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896">{{cite book |title=Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896 |publisher=Marquis Who's Who |location=Chicago |year=1963}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Bartlett"|[[John Bartlett (publisher)|John Bartlett]] ||1820 ||1905 ||publisher of [[Bartlett's Familiar Quotations]], born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bartleby.com/people/BartlettJon.html |title=John Bartlett |accessdate=2007-07-31 |publisher=Bartleby.com}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Lucas"|[[Frederic Augustus Lucas]] ||1852 ||1929 ||Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences museum director, author of many scientific papers, born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://library.nybg.org/finding_guide/archv/lucas_ppb.html |title=Biography of Frederic Augustus Lucas |accessdate=2007-07-31 |publisher=Frederic Augustus Lucas Papers (PP)}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Mersereau"|[[Violet Mersereau]] ||1892 ||1975 ||silent film actress, died in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.silentera.com/people/actresses/Mersereau-Violet.html |title=Violet Mersereau |accessdate=2007-08-21 |publisher=Silent Era}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Roberts"|[[Beatrice Roberts]] ||1905 ||1970 ||film actress |- |data-sort-value="Gray"|[[Glen Gray]] ||1906 ||1963 ||saxophonist, leader of the [[Casa Loma Orchestra]], born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nfo.net/usa/g3.html |title=Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra |accessdate=2007-08-21 |publisher=American BigBands}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Picard"|[[Henry Picard]] ||1906 ||1997 ||Professional golfer, won [[Masters Tournament|The Masters Tournament]] |- |data-sort-value="Hunt"|[[Pee Wee Hunt]] ||1907 ||1979 ||trombonist and co-founder of the Casa Loma Orchestra, died in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |title=Pee Wee Hunt |url=http://musicstories.net/Pee_Wee_Hunt.htm |accessdate=2009-07-17 |publisher=MusicStories.net |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071103080536/http://musicstories.net/Pee_Wee_Hunt.htm |archivedate=2007-11-03}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Coleman"|[[Ken Coleman]] ||1925 ||2003 ||sportscaster, died in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |title=Ken Coleman, Former Red Sox Broadcaster, 1925 - August 21, 2003 |url=http://www.americansportscastersonline.com/colemanmemorial.html |accessdate=2007-07-31 |publisher=American Sportscasters Online}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Gregory"|[[Dick Gregory]] ||1932 ||2017 ||comedian, activist and nutritionist, resident of Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dickgregory.com/about_dick_gregory.html |title=Biography: Dick Gregory for the people ... Activist, Philosopher, Anti-Drug Crusader, Comedian, Author, Actor Recording Artist, Nutritionist |accessdate=2007-07-31 |publisher=Dick Gregory Global Watch |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617034501/http://www.dickgregory.com/about_dick_gregory.html |archivedate=2007-06-17 }}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Gomes"|[[Peter J. Gomes]] ||1942 ||2011 ||preacher and theologian at [[Harvard Divinity School]], resident of Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |title=The Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes |url=http://www.memorialchurch.harvard.edu/preachers/pjg.shtml |accessdate=2008-04-18 |publisher=The Memorial Church of Harvard University |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080417000933/http://www.memorialchurch.harvard.edu/preachers/pjg.shtml |archivedate=2008-04-17}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Darsch"|[[Nancy Darsch]] ||1951 || ||WNBA Coach, current resident of Plymouth |- |data-sort-value="Phillips"|[[Warren G. Phillips]] ||1954 || ||Inducted into the [[National Teachers Hall of Fame]] in 2010, taught in Plymouth |- |data-sort-value="Sweet"|[[Michael Sweet]] ||1963 || ||Lead vocalist and lead and rhythm guitars in [[Stryper]]. Resident of Plymouth. |- |data-sort-value="Alberghini"|[[Chris Alberghini]] ||1965 || ||television producer-writer, born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.famouslikeme.com/7306/article.html |title=Profile of Chris Alberghini on Famous Like Me |accessdate=2007-08-21 |publisher=Famous Like Me.com}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Baxter"|[[Amy Lynn Baxter]] ||1967 || ||adult film star and nude model, born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/amy-lynn-baxter/person/497381/summary.html |title=Amy Lynn Baxter |accessdate=2008-04-18 |work=TV.com |publisher=CNET Networks, Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adultfilmdatabase.com/actor/amy-lynn-baxter-17781/ |title=Amy Lynn Baxter's Videos |accessdate=2016-05-23 |website=Adult Film Database}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="DiSarcina"|[[Gary DiSarcina]] ||1967 || ||former shortstop for the [[California Angels]] and manager of the single-A team [[Lowell Spinners]], currently resides in Plymouth. |- |data-sort-value="Chokachi"|[[David Chokachi]] ||1968 || ||actor, born in Plymouth.<ref>{{cite web |title=About David |url=http://www.davidchokachi.net/index_about.html |accessdate=2007-08-21 |publisher=DavidChokachi.net |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927233704/http://www.davidchokachi.net/index_about.html |archivedate=2007-09-27 }}</ref> Most known for roles in ''[[Baywatch]]'', ''[[Witchblade]]'', and ''[[Beyond the Break]]''. |- |data-sort-value="Chandler"|[[Jamie P. Chandler]] ||1977 || ||political commentator and author, born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jamiechandler.com/wordpress/biography/ |title=Biography |accessdate=2012-11-26 |publisher=JamieChandler.com}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Farrell"|[[Dave Farrell]] ||1977 || ||bassist with [[Linkin Park]], born in Plymouth<ref>{{cite web |title=Phoenix Farrell |url=http://www.nndb.com/people/088/000030995/ |accessdate=2007-08-09 |publisher=[[NNDB]]}}</ref> |- |data-sort-value="Raab"|[[Chris Raab]] ||1980 || ||Television personality, member of the [[CKY Crew]] (''[[Viva La Bam]]'' and ''[[Jackass (TV series)|Jackass]]''). |- |} ==Twin and sister cities== [[File:Plymouth House at Shichigahama Kokusai-mura.JPG|right|thumb|150px|Plymouth House in Shichigahama, modeling after the recreated [[First Parish Church in Plymouth|First Parish Church]] in [[Plimoth Plantation]]]] Since 2001, Plymouth has shared a [[Town twinning|twin-city]] status with: [[Plymouth]], [[Devon]], United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.devon.gov.uk/environmentalhealth?url=localcontent.htm&site=2&ref=twintowns.htm&|title=Plymouth and its Twin Towns|accessdate=2007-08-09|publisher=Devon County Council|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015602/http://www.devon.gov.uk/environmentalhealth?url=localcontent.htm&site=2&ref=twintowns.htm&|archivedate=2007-09-30}}</ref> In addition, since 1990, Plymouth has shared a sister-city status with [[Shichigahama, Miyagi|Shichigahama]], [[Miyagi Prefecture]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shichigahama.com/ie/guide2.html|title=Sister City Plymouth|accessdate=2007-08-09|publisher=Shichigahama Town Guide}}</ref> {{clear|right}} ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ==Further reading== * {{Citation |publisher = Timothy Berry |publication-place = Plymouth, Mass |title = The Plymouth almanac, directory, and business advertiser for 1846 |url = http://openlibrary.org/books/OL5248923M/The_Plymouth_almanac_directory_and_business_advertiser_for_1846 |publication-date = 1864 }} * {{cite book |url = https://archive.org/stream/residentbusiness1909bost#page/n3/mode/2up |title=Directory of Plymouth |year=1909 }} ==External links== {{Commons|Plymouth, Massachusetts}} {{Wikisource1911Enc|Plymouth (Massachusetts)|Plymouth, Massachusetts}} * {{Wikivoyage-inline|Plymouth (Massachusetts)}} {{Portal|United States}} * [http://www.visit-plymouth.com/ Destination: Plymouth tourism site] * [http://www.plymouth-ma.gov/ Plymouth Town Website] * [http://plymouth.wickedlocal.com/ Wicked Local Plymouth] (published by [[GateHouse Media]]) * [http://yourtown.boston.com/plymouth Boston Globe Plymouth news page] * Answer Book/Plymouth: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120529051437/http://www.patriotledger.com/answerbook/plymouth ''Everything you need to know''] * [http://www.plymouthpubliclibrary.org Plymouth Public Library] {{Plymouth County, Massachusetts}} {{Massachusetts}} {{Thanksgiving}} {{Greater Boston}} {{Authority control}} {{Good article}} [[Category:Plymouth, Massachusetts| ]] [[Category:Populated places established in 1620]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Plymouth County, Massachusetts]] [[Category:Towns in Plymouth County, Massachusetts]] [[Category:County seats in Massachusetts]] [[Category:Towns in Massachusetts]] [[Category:1620 establishments in the Thirteen Colonies]]'