Community Corner

Travel Back in Time: Chief Masconomet's Burial Ground

Travel Back in Time with the Wednesday Patch Passport, to discover the history and roots of Hamilton.

quietly holds an important piece of Hamilton history. Chief Masconomet is buried on the site, which is also a military installation known as Sagamore Hill Observatory.

Just two years ago, Community Preservation Act money was used to buy a new marker for the gravesite, where Masconomet's wife was buried alongside him more than 350 years ago.

Masconomet was known as Sagamore (meaning chief) of Agawam and was the last Sagamore to oversee a tribe that lived in the Cape Ann area plus Hamilton, Ipswich and Wenham. He died in 1658.

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Beyond the historical significance of the burial site, it's scenery is almost as impressive. The ocean is visible in one direction on a clear day and you can see far to the north in the other direction. It is the highest spot in Hamilton.

Masconomet played a key part in the formation of many North Shore towns. Masconomet, or his descendants, signed deeds that formed Boxford, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and West Newbury.

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Hamilton

Incorporated: June 21, 1793

Broke away from: Ipswich

Wenham

Incorporated: Sept. 7, 1643

Broke away from: Salem

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