Nestled on the South Shore of Massachusetts, Hanover is a town steeped in history, having been incorporated around 300 years ago. With a serene town center that boasts historical buildings like the Stetson House, Hanover is a blend of quaint old-world charm and beautiful natural landscapes. The Stetson House, constructed around 1700, serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century life, managed by the Hanover Historical Society.
Hanover’s southern border is formed by the Indian Head River, which joins with Herring Brook to become the North River. In earlier centuries, these riverbanks were bustling with industrial activity, hosting factories that produced a variety of goods, from munitions to reclaimed rubber. Today, much of this area is accessible to the public through the Hanover Greenway Trail, a scenic hiking path that winds through hardwood forests, past remnants of the town’s industrial past.
Hanover Center Historic District
Hanover’s historic center has been the heart of the town since the 1720s and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996. Spanning 40 acres, this district isn’t a bustling downtown but rather a collection of stately municipal buildings and centuries-old residences. The Stetson House is the oldest structure here, likely built by the descendants of Hanover’s earliest European settlers. Notable buildings include the Greek Revival First Congregational Church, standing on the site of the original 1727 meetinghouse, the Italianate-style Town Hall from 1863, and the Georgian Revival Curtis Free Library, constructed in 1907.
Luddam’s Ford Park
Luddam’s Ford Park, located along the Indian Head River, reflects Hanover’s rich industrial heritage. This park encompasses 22 acres, once the site of the Clapp Rubber Works, the largest reclaimed rubber factory in the U.S. established in 1873. The park’s name traces back to James Luddam, a 17th-century guide, highlighting the area’s historical significance as a ford on the Old Bay Path between Plymouth and Boston. The park is part of a network of connected green spaces along the river, intersected by the historic Hanover Branch Railroad, which extends to the Hanover-Hanson town line.
Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park
A prime destination for families, the Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park combines New England’s largest sports complex with various indoor and outdoor attractions. The Sportsplex offers facilities for sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. The Fun Park features activities such as laser tag, mini-golf, go-karts, and a Eurobungy trampoline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, including a fast-food counter serving pizza and burgers and a coffee shop offering bagels and fresh-roasted coffee.
Stetson House
The Stetson House, part of the Hanover Center Historic District, is a well-preserved Colonial-era residence managed by the Hanover Historical Society. Built around 1700 for Samuel Stetson, the house remained in the Stetson family until the 1870s. It is believed that the meetings that led to Hanover’s incorporation were held here. The house served as a makeshift church after the town’s original church burned down in the 19th century. Today, the Stetson House hosts a variety of exhibits, providing insights into Hanover’s maritime, agricultural, industrial, and military history.
Forge Pond Park
Forge Pond Park is a versatile public space that blends sports facilities with areas for passive recreation. The park features three baseball fields, three softball fields, and three multi-use fields, all equipped with modern amenities like solar-powered scoreboards. The park also offers more than four miles of paved and unpaved trails, connecting with the Hanover Greenway Trail along the Drinkwater and Indian Head rivers, providing ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor adventure.
Hanover Farmers’ Market
Although relatively new, the Hanover Farmers’ Market has quickly become a popular community event. Hosted at Hanover High School on the third Sunday of each month from May through November, the market features over 30 vendors. Shoppers can find fresh produce, grass-fed beef, honey, baked goods, and artisanal products like jewelry, candles, and organic cosmetics. The market also serves as a gathering place for local organizations, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the community.
Indian Head River Trails
The Indian Head River Trails offer a serene hiking experience along the Hanover bank of the Indian Head River, part of the larger Hanover Greenway Trail. This two-mile linear park provides stunning views of the river and its surroundings, with trailheads conveniently located at Luddam’s Ford Park. Along the trail, hikers can discover the remains of the Waterman Tack Factory, which dates back to 1830, revealing the area’s rich industrial history.
Wildlands Trust – Tucker Preserve
Located on the Pembroke bank of the Indian Head River, the Wildlands Trust preserves a large tract of land that reflects the region’s industrial and natural history. Previously owned by the Clapp Rubber Company, the area has been reclaimed by a forest of elm, oak, and birch. Visitors can explore the remnants of old stone walls and learn about the site’s past through interpretive signs. A scenic spot near the preserve’s back boundary features the river flowing through a gorge, providing a peaceful retreat.
Boston Bowl
Boston Bowl offers a fun outing for bowling enthusiasts and families alike. The facility provides both ten-pin and candlepin bowling, a regional variation with narrower pins and a smaller ball. Boston Bowl offers discounts on games during weekdays, making it an affordable entertainment option. The venue also includes an arcade filled with classic redemption games and DW Brewpub, serving comfort food like pizza made with handmade dough.
Herring Run Historical Park
Situated at the confluence of the Indian Head and North Rivers, Herring Run Historical Park is a prime location to witness the annual migration of alewife herring. Every spring, thousands of these silvery blue fish travel up the North River and Herring Brook to their spawning grounds. The park provides a unique opportunity to observe this natural phenomenon, as the shallow and narrow brook makes it easy to spot the migrating fish.
Hanover offers a rich blend of historical, recreational, and natural attractions, making it a charming destination for visitors of all interests. From exploring its storied past at the Stetson House to enjoying the outdoors along the Indian Head River, there’s something for everyone in this historic town.
FAQs:
What is the historical significance of Hanover?
Hanover has a rich history dating back 300 years. Its historical center includes several 18th and 19th-century buildings, and the Stetson House is a key historical landmark.
What can visitors do at Luddam’s Ford Park?
Luddam’s Ford Park offers hiking trails, scenic views along the Indian Head River, and insights into the area’s industrial past.
Is the Hanover Farmers’ Market open year-round?
No, the Hanover Farmers’ Market operates from May through November on the third Sunday of each month.