Triphammer Park

26 Wapping Road, Kingston, MA, USA

Town of Kingston: (781) 585-0500

Owned By: Town of Kingston

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Triphammer Park is a small property on the Jones River in Kingston. In 2011, a dam was removed here, restoring the ecology and continuity of the Jones River. There are also remnants of an old stone foundation on site.

Hunting is now allowed on this property.

FISHING ADVISORY: It’s important to know that some of our freshwater fisheries are contaminated with mercury, PFAS and/or other concerning substances. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an online database with up-to-date advisories regarding fish consumption, sorted by location. We recommend you consult this valuable resource when planning a fishing excursion.

Features

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. Colonial records make note of a “herring ware” or fish weir established by the Wampanoag on the Jones River at Wapping Road. Settlers referred to this river crossing as “The Indian Bridge,” likely a reference to the weir. Archaeological evidence of a small Native American encampment was found nearby.

Please bear in mind that Native American cultures often favor oral histories to written ones. Much of what’s recorded about the history of the South Shore is from the perspective of European settlers. It’s not the whole story. 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.

The following information is gleaned from interpretive signage on site at Triphammer Park. After European settlers arrived in Kingston in the 1600’s, this section of the Jones River, at Wapping Road, became a popular location for mills, iron works, and factories. John Doane established a sawmill at this site in 1640. Plymouth Colony Governor William Bradford or his children acquired the property c. 1644. The mill and its pond were later enlarged by Colonel Reed and Stetson Bradford.

Jedediah Holmes purchased the mill privilege in 1791, and established a blacksmith shop, using bog iron from Silver Lake to manufacture scythes, axes and anchors. Jabez Fuller established a grist mill south of Wapping Road in 1793.

In 1807, Jesse Reed constructed a nail and tack factory on the northeast side of the river. In 1812, the Kingston Cotton and Woolen Manufactory built a new dam and a factory northwest of the anchor forge. Struck by lightning in 1824, it burned to the ground and was never rebuilt.

In 1852, Holmes, Sturtevant & Company built a new anchor forge building. This building was demolished in 1891 and replaced with a small building which served as a tack factory. In 1919, the Mayflower Worsted Company was established on site. It expanded the tack factory, built a new dam, and produced fine woolen menswear. Subsequent owners were Philip S. Barnes and Barnes Worsted Company.

The park is named for Triphammer, the village that once stood here. A triphammer was commonly used while making anchors and other wrought iron tools. It was established in 2010, supported in part with Community Preservation funds. The dam was removed the following year.

Trail Description

A short trail leads from the entrance to the Jones River. There are some interpretive signs at the trailhead, and if you look to the right as you head toward the river, you can see the remains of a stone foundation.

Habitats and Wildlife

The woods at this property are primarily maple and black walnut.

The Jones River flow through this property. It 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.