One of the many maps in our museum exhibit is titled, “Original Purchases from the Indians.” It was a gift to our historical society from the Lakeville Historical Society in 1974. On this map it is possible to trace some of the early North American pathways. Many of these became the template for the roads of early settlers.
One such path was actually known as “Old Path”. It began in Plymouth and was for many years, the start of the stagecoach road to Dartmouth. Another ancient pathway met the “Old Path” a little northeast of Mary’s Pond. It led from Sandwich to Dartmouth, going through Rochester Center near the cemetery. In the early days of the town, it was called the “Country Road”. Later it was known in Rochester as “the Rhode Island Path.” As time went on, it became part of the Plymouth to New Bedford stage route.
Another Native American trail began in Middleboro, went passed the Union Cemetery and continued down the west shore of Sippican. It became known as “Old Bay Path.”
Theses paths were worn into the land by Native Americans who walked them for centuries. While they were well defined, they were narrow and only suitable for foot traffic. With the passage of time, early residents used them as bridal paths, and some were later widened to serve as wagon roads.
Along with these trails through the woods, The Native Americans left us their names for area spots. Some that have remained are: Mattapoisett, Assawompset and Quitticus. Others have disappeared. Looking at the 1704 map of Rochester in our display, you can find Nipesincas Little Pond. On the 1795 map, it has become Snows Pond and on the 1854 map, an apostrophe has been added as well as the nearby residence of N. Snow.
Maps are fascinating and at our September 20 meeting, Charlie Rowley will present a program; “Mapping Rochester”.
By Connie Eshbach