Westport
Massachusetts
Town of Westport
History
Westport, so named because it was the westernmost port in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was first settled in 1670 as a part of the town of Dartmouth by members of the Sisson family. The river, and the land around it, was called "Coaksett" in the original deed; the name, now spelled "Acoaxet," lies in the southwest along the western branch of the Westport River. Like many areas in the region, Westport was affected by invading Wampanoag Indians during King Philip's War. Several small mills were built along the Westport River, and in 1787, the town, along with the town of New Bedford, was separated from Dartmouth.
Our most illustrious citizen was a Native American-African American Quaker businessman, sea captain, patriot, and ship builder named Paul Cuffe who lived from 1759 to 1817.Cuffee became one of the richest black men in the United States at the time. He tried to settle free black craftspersons in Sierra Leone to begin the process of developing alternative income sources from slavery. He started the first integrated school in America and was well known for his dignity, charity, and clear thinking.
There were several mills along the river and streams the largest of which was at the junction of the river with Lake Noquochoke on the Dartmouth town line. The Macomber turnip traces its ancestry to turnips sowed in Westport shortly after 1876. During the Second World War, a coastal defense structure was installed on Gooseberry Island. The Town is now mostly residential, but with sizeable farming and fishing activities. Westport is a Right to Farm community and there is an active Westport Fishermen's Association. Horseneck Beach State Reservation, located to the north and west of Gooseberry Island, is a popular summer destination and Westport Point Historic District is a popular destination which features preserved historic homes dating from the 1700s which reflect the important role whaling played in its history.
Recent News
Westport BOH Comments For DEP Proposed Watershed Permit Regulation
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Read More »Town Of Westport - Flu And Covid November 4, 2022
Nov. 04, 2022, A Vaccine Clinic for Flu & Covid will be held in the cafeteria of the form Westport High School located at 19 Main Road, Westport, MA For Vaccine Clinic Flyer, Click…
Read More »Town of Westport : Additional Supply of Free COVID Tests Has Arrived - September 30, 2022
Another supply of Free COVID rapid test kits arrived today. They are available at: Nurse's Office: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. (Closed Tues.) 8:30am - 2:30pm Board of Health Office: Mon. Tues., Thurs. Fri. (Closed Wed.) 8:30am - 4:00pm On Jul…
Read More »Town of Westport - Updated Covid Boosters-FAQ
As of September 1, 2022, updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters are now authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0901- covid-19-booster.html These updated boosters will be available in…
Read More »Town of Westport - Covid and Flu Vaccination Clinic
WHEN: Friday, September 16, 2022 / 3:30pm - 7:30pm WHERE: Cafeteria in the former Westport Junior/Senior High School at 19 Main Road, Westport, MA The vaccines available will include the following: COVID Boosters - Bivalent (updated version of…
Read More »Town of Westport News - Board of Health COVID-19 Update August 26, 2022
Click here for More Information About Town of Westport News - Board of Health COVID-19 Update August 26,…
Read More »Town of Westport - Free Covid Tests
FREE COVID rapid test kits available at the Town Nurse and Board of Health Offices. We recently received another supply of tests and can be picked up at the Town Hall ANNEX. Regular scheduled days and hours for BOH, Monday thru Friday 8:30am to…
Read More »Town Of Westport - No Sticker Sales This Weekend
Stickers will not be sold at the Westport Transfer Station for the weekend of July 16 and July 17, 2022. Sales will return to normal after this weekend.
Read More »Town Of Westport - New Supply Of COVID Tests Received
The Westport Board of Health received a new shipment of COVID Tests this week. Residents can pick up tests at the Town Hall ANNEX located at 856 Main Road from the Nurse's Office (1st Fl) and Board of Health Office (2nd Fl). The regular…
Read More »Town of Westport News - Dead Birds at Beaches Are Infected with Avian Flu
Click here to View the Information About Town of Westport - Dead Birds at Beaches Are Infected with Avian…
Read More »Town of Westport Community Electricity Aggregation Program
Westport Community Electricity Aggregation latest information - Click…
Read More »Town of Westport BOH Covid Update - April 20, 2022
Click Here To View Town of Westport BOH Covid Update - April 20, 2022
Read More »Town of Westport - Piping Plovers Are Back
To all beach goers!! There is extensive Piping Plover fencing on Cherry and Webb Beach (the town beach). These areas are off limits to ANY activity. Please respect the bird nesting area while enjoying the town beach. Piping Plovers are State and…
Read More »Town of Westport BOH Covid Update - April 29, 2022
Click Here To View Town of Westport BOH Covid Update - April 29, 2022
Read More »Town Of Westport Insurance Annual Open Enrollment
For Active Employees & Retirees on HMO & PPO Plans, open enrollment is now through May 20th,2022 with the Treasurer's Office. Open enrollment Click Here for more…
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