The beach is located on the coastline of North Weymouth, Massachusetts. Wessagusset Beach, called “old beach” by locals, was named after the first English trading colonyestablished in August 1622.

The colony didn’t last long.

Myles Standish, along with several other men, killed some Native Americans, who they thought were plotting against them. The colony was abandoned due to a cycle of violence that ensued.

In 2018, the town of Weymouth announced a boardwalk would be built connecting Wessagusset Beach to the nearby George Lane Beach. The two beaches are separated by 2,000 feet of rocky coastline. The goal of the project is to increase open space at Weymouth’s beaches and help prevent erosion. Invasive plant life currently occupies most of the space and destabilizes the shoreline.

Today, Wessagusset Beach offers more than just natural beauty. A marker at nearby Great Hill Park recounts the early days of the colony and the interactions with native tribes. Visitors get a glimpse into the area’s storied past.

These historical markers (and the preserved lands around the beach) remind us of early chapters of American history. A place where you can walk along the same paths that both settlers and Native Americans once walked. A tangible connection to the past amidst the scenic backdrop of modern-day Massachusetts.

Local tip: take transit to the beach or grab an Uber as the parking lot is small

Do you enjoy reading about Massachusetts history?Check out my other MA history posts here.