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Town Parks & Monuments

Myles Standish Monument State Reservation

Crescent St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

(508) 208-0675; (508) 747-5360

https://www.mass.gov/locations/myles-standish-monument-state-reservation

Owned By: Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation

Climb to the top of Captain’s Hill for a panoramic view up and down the coast. The tower is open seasonally, on weekends, but you can hike up the hill anytime.

Features

Situated 200 feet above sea level, the Myles Standish Monument is a 116-foot-tall granite shaft topped with a 14-foot statue of Captain Myles Standish, military leader of Plymouth Colony. When the tower is open, visitors can climb 125 steps to a small viewing area at the top. The spectacular view includes church spires, lighthouses, Plymouth Harbor, Cape Cod, and even the Blue Hills. All children must be accompanied by an adult. In inclement weather, call first to see if the monument is open.

There is a 116-foot granite tower on top of the hill, which stands 180 feet above sea level. On top of the tower is a 14-foot statue of Captain Myles Standish (1584-1656), military leader of Plymouth Colony. The tower was completed in 1898, after 26 years of construction.

This land is within the region of the Patuxet, members of the Wampanoag tribe, who inhabited the area around the Jones River now known as Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth. While Standish has long been regarded as a hero of Plymouth Colony, it’s important also to acknowledge that he was a destructive force with regard to the native tribes that inhabited the region prior to, and during the time of, European colonization. In particular, consider the 1623 Massacre at Wessagusset, at which Standish lured members of the Neponset band of the Massachusett tribe into a small building and then attacked them, fatally wounding several. Standish was concerned that tribe members, especially Wituwamat, were conspiring against the colonists. Scholars have found no evidence of this plot.

Trail Description

Hike up the paved access road, or follow either of the two woodland trails to the top of the hill (one from Crescent Street, and the other from the access road, not far from the gate).

Habitats and Wildlife

The forest here is mostly pine, with some hemlock and beech. At the top of the hill there is a broad lawn. The views from the top are stunning! The land is within the watershed of Kingston Bay.

Crescent St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

Historic Site: Yes

Park: Yes

Beach: No

Boat Launch: No

Lifeguards: No

Size: 28 acres

Hours: Pedestrian access daily from dawn to dusk. The park road and tower are open seasonally, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:30am to 6pm, weather permitting.

Parking: Limited on-site parking.

Cost: Free

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium

Facilities:

Informational kiosk, access to tower on summer weekends. Geocache location.

Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash or under control at all times. Scoop the poop!

Boat Ramp: No

ADA Access: No

Scenic Views: Yes

Waterbody/Watershed: Kingston Bay watershed

Other Things to Do at This Site