John Howland Home Site

67 Howlands Ln, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

https://pilgrimjohnhowlandsociety.org/Rocky_Nook

Owned By: Pilgrim John Howland Society

• Directions

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. Immediately adjacent to The Nook Preserve.

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 our local tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and the Herring Pond Wampanoag all share information on their website.

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.

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.