Dartmouth

In 1652, Massasoit, Chief Sachem of the Wampanoag Federation sold the land covering Dartmouth and 4 other present towns to elders of the Plymouth Colony. The town was further settled and incorporated in 1664.

Dartmouth has remained through most of its history a rural agricultural community but began adopting a summer residential and resort character in the 19th century as wealthy and near-wealthy city dwellers from New Bedford built and purchased vacation homes.
The beaches include private and public- such as Demarest Lloyd State Reservation. Just as Dartmouth boasts an extensive shoreline, so is it rural. Long stretches of open space, clapboard homes and working farms dominate the landscape. Dartmouth homes, particularly those in and around Padanaram, bear green plaques which testify to their historical significance.

What makes Dartmouth remarkable and sought after is the town’s balance between commercial pursuits which provide every amenity, and preservation of a rural, close-knit community atmosphere. Just down the road is UMass Dartmouth, an affordable university.