Duxbury

Duxbury founded in 1637, was named by Myles Standish after Duxbury Woods in his home town of Chorley, Lancashire, Great Britian. Settled by the Pilgrims Myles Standish, and John Alden in 1624, Duxbury was incorporated in 1637. Duxbury is primarily a residential community on the Atlantic coast in Plymouth County Massachusetts. It is bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the east, Duxbury Bay, Kingston Bay and Plymouth to the southeast, Kingston to the southwest, Pembroke to the west and northwest, and Marshfield to the north. Duxbury is approximately 35 miles south of Boston and has a more than 14,000 citizens. The Town was a center of shipbuilding until the mid-nineteenth century when ships became too large for the shallow bay. Many historic and beautiful homes from Pilgrim times and the shipbuilding period still exist. Today it is the sixth largest cranberry producer in Massachusetts and has become famous for its oysters. The town has a total areaof 37.6 miles of which approximately 23 square miles is land and 14 square miles of it is water. There are many ponds and bogs throughout the town. The Back River lies along the western edge of Saquish Neck and has many tributaries from the local rivers, brooks and marshes. In addition there are several sanctuaries, conservation areas and forests througout Duxbury. It is predominately residential (96.4% of assessed value in fiscal 2003), with a very small commercial component. Snug Harbor on Duxbury Bay, just north of Plymouth Bay, is one of the most attractive recreational boat basins on the Massachusetts coast. This coastal location continues to play a vibrant role in the character of the community. Duxbury is a town of choice for families seeking excellent schools, outstanding community services and a pleasant residential atmosphere. The town prides itself on its excellent school system and extensive participation of citizens in community activity. Over 93 % of graduating high school students advanced to higher education.