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Historical Sites

John Howland Home Site

67 Howlands Ln, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

Pilgrim John Howland Society: (508) 746-9590

https://pilgrimjohnhowlandsociety.org/Rocky_Nook

Owned By: Pilgrim John Howland Society

John Howland was an early settler in Plymouth Colony. After residing in Plymouth and Duxbury, he acquired 3 acres on today’s Rocky Nook in Kingston and established  a homestead (c. 1639/1640). Cellar holes and remnants of out-buildings are still visible today.

The historic property stands on both sides of Howlands Lane. One side is immediately adjacent to The Nook Preserve. The other side connects via trail to the Kingston Shores Woodland, a 3.5 acre parcel of forest and wetlands along Leigh Road. Hunting is not allowed on any of these properties.

Features

According to the Pilgrim John Howland Society’s website, “the Howland Homestead consisted of all the land north of the stone wall beginning at Fishing Rocks and ending where Sever Creek runs into the Jones River. Most of the stone wall can be seen today. The cellar holes of his house and two out-buildings can be seen on a little hill on the east side of Howland’s Lane, easily distinguished by one large American Ash tree which stands on the top of the hill.”

Four acres of the property were purchased by members of the Pilgrim John Howland Society in 1920. A memorial was placed on site and formally dedicated in 1921. Through the years, the society has led archeology digs on site. Visit this website to learn more.  (Scroll down to Kingston, MA.)

This land is within the region of the Patuxet Wampanoag tribe, who for centuries have inhabited the area around the Jones River now known as Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth. To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mashpee Wampanoag and the Herring Pond Wampanoag share information on their websites.

Trail Description

A 0.1-mile trail of moderate slope leads up one side of the hill and across the top. It is lined with wood chips. For further exploration, consider the short trail through the Kingston Shores Woodland, immediately adjacent.

Habitats and Wildlife

This hilltop property features a grassy area, along with cedar, cherry, maple, and oak trees, and a large ash tree. It is located within the watershed of the Jones River.

The Jones River finds it source at Silver Lake, and extends for 7.5 miles through the town of Kingston. Follow the Jones River Watershed Association for more information.

  • A photograph of a property sign on the edge of a forested hillside.
  • A photograph of a stone memorial marker in a forest clearing.
  • A photograph of a trail leading across a grassy hillside lined with cedar trees.
  • A photograph of an informational kiosk on a forested hillside.
  • A photograph of a row of cedar trees on a hillside.
  • A photograph of a large ash tree beside a grassy forest clearing.
  • A photograph of the entrance to a historic site in a woodland.
  • A photograph of a historic site in a forest clearing.
  • A photograph of a stone memorial with grass and trees.
67 Howlands Ln, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

Historic Site: Yes

Park: No

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 21.5 acres

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Limited roadside parking.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium

Facilities:

Interpretive signage, memorials.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Please clean up after your pet!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Jones River

Other Things to Do at This Site

Forest Trails
Hiking
Nature Photography