Powder Point Bridge - North and South Rivers Watershed Association

370 Powder Point Ave, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

Owned By: Town of Duxbury

Directions

This landmark, open to the public, offers gorgeous views of Duxbury Bay and access to Duxbury Beach Park and Duxbury Beach Reservation. A popular spot for fishing. Launch your canoe, kayak, paddle board, rowing shell, or small sailboat from the shore at the foot of the bridge. Pedestrian access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing. Swimming, diving and jumping from the Powder Point Bridge are strictly prohibited.

Features

This 2,200 foot wooden bridge was originally constructed in 1892. After sustaining fire damage in 1985, it was rebuilt the following year. Also known as Duxbury Bridge, Gurnet Bridge, Black River Bridge, Long Bridge, and King Caesar Road Bridge. Small boat access to Duxbury Bay is available at the western end of the bridge.

According to Dorothy Wentworth’s Settlement and Growth of Duxbury 1628-1870, the name’s origin is unknown. It was written as “Poulder Point” on a 1637 land grant to George Soule, a Pilgrim. The town’s supply of gunpowder was not stored there, but instead in the Meeting House. The original European settlers on Powder Point were George Soule, John Peterson and Henry Sampson.

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.

Trail Description

Wooden bridge includes a raised sidewalk for pedestrians and fishermen. The bridge is also a public roadway with vehicle access.

Habitats and Wildlife

A 2018 survey indicates that the numbers of species observed on Duxbury Beach are as follows. Birds: 127, Mammals: 8, and Plants: 36. Some notable residents are the Snowy Owl, the Piping Plover, and the Least Tern. The latter two are considered to be threatened species by state and/or federal law. The Duxbury Beach Endangered Species Program, enacted by the Duxbury Police Department, offers protection during the spring and summer.

Like all barrier beaches, Duxbury Beach is dynamic. Sand arrives and departs at a slow pace. Here at Duxbury, the beach is moving westward toward the mainland. Unfortunately, due to heavy armoring of beaches to the north (sea walls), Duxbury Beach is not receiving its natural nourishment of sand.

There are seasonal dynamics as well. In the winter and spring, the beach is rocky, as northeasterly winds pull the sand out. In the summer and fall, the sand returns, carried in by gentle waves.