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Reynolds-Maxwell Garden

645 Washington St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

781-934-6106

https://duxburyhistory.org/lands/maxwell-garden/

Owned By: Duxbury Rural & Historical Society

The Reynolds-Maxwell Garden is a tiny park located within Duxbury’s Old Shipbuilders District. Constructed atop an old wharf, it offers beautiful views of the Bluefish River. Enjoy additional views across the street, at the historic Bluefish River Firehouse and Grist Mill.

Features

This section of Duxbury was very active during the early-mid 19th century, with shipyards, wharves, sawpits, mills and warehouses. By 1900, it was known as Duxbury Village, and served as the town’s main commercial district with livery stables, a restaurant, a garage, and more.

In 1906 on the site where the Reynolds-Maxwell garden now stands, Antone P. “Tony” Lucas built a house on the property that is today Maxwell Garden, and later ran a barbershop and grocery store out of the building. He also operated the locks on the Bluefish River bridge.

The property was purchased by the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society in 1943. For more than 70 years, the Duxbury Garden Club maintained the property, and in the 1980s, they named in honor of Mrs. Frank (Ella) Maxwell, the first president of the Duxbury Garden Club.

The property was restored and improved in 2018 by the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, raising the sea wall to prevent damage during high tides and storms. Since the restoration was made possible through a generous bequest from Mary Reynolds, the property was rededicated as  the Reynolds-Maxwell Garden.

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.

Habitats and Wildlife

The Bluefish River originates in ponds and springs between Duxbury’s Station & Washington Streets and Partridge Road, and flows north, parallel to the coast, to the Cushman Preserve. From there, it turns east, passing the Reynolds-Maxwell Garden and flowing under Washington Street, where it opens up into a broad estuary. The Bluefish River merges with the Duxbury Back River in Duxbury Bay.

  • A photograph of a grassy park on a river with a bench and interpretive signage.
  • A photograph of a grassy park on a river with a granite bench.
  • A photograph of a granite marker in a grassy park beside a river.
  • A photograph of a grassy park on a river, viewed from an adjacent bridge.
  • A photograph of an interpretive sign in a grassy park beside a river.
  • A photograph of a grassy park beside a river with granite markers and benches.
  • A photograph of a grassy park beside a river, viewed from a distance.
  • A photograph of a grassy park beside a river with a bench and an interpretive sign.
645 Washington St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

Historic Site: No

Park: Yes

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Parking: Park across the street at the small lot at the Duxbury Engine House No. 1. There is also bike rack.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Facilities:

Benches, interpretive signage.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Bluefish River (Duxbury Back River watershed)

Other Things to Do at This Site

Nature Photography
Town Parks & Monuments