West Bridgewater in Plymouth County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Deacon Samuel Edson

Photographed by Michael Herrick, October 26, 2022

1. Deacon Samuel Edson Marker

Inscription. In Honored Memory of
Deacon Samuel Edson
Bapt. Sept. 5, 1613
Fillongley, Warwickshire, England An Original Proprieter of Bridgewater he, with 56 Share Holders including Miles Standish and "Goodman Alden" bought the land Mar. 23, 1649 from Chief Massasoit the “White Man's Friend to the Pilgrim Fathers". Deacon Edson built the first grist mill in Bridgewater, on this site where these mill-stones testify to his courage and foresight. A deacon in the Puritan Church prominent leader in the affairs of the community until his death
July 19, 1692

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 19, 1692.

Location. 42° 0.985′ N, 71° 0.477′ W. Marker is in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in Plymouth County. It can be reached from the intersection of River Street and Arch Street, on the left when traveling west. Located in War Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 40 River St, West Bridgewater MA 02379, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston.

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It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: West Bridgewater World War II Vietnam War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); West Bridgewater World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Bridgewater Purchase (within shouting distance of this marker); Pulpit Rock (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); West Bridgewater Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home of John Cary (approx. ¼ mile away); Home of Rev. James Keith (approx. 0.4 miles away); Tory House (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Bridgewater.

Also see . . .
1. Plimouth Grist Mill. Plimoth Grist Mill in Plymouth, Massachusetts operates a fully functioning grist mill based on mill construction in the same period.

At our reproduction of the Plymouth Colonists’
Photographed by Michael Herrick, October 26, 2022

2. Deacon Samuel Edson Marker
original 1636 grain mill on Town Brook, take a fascinating look at the mill’s history and workings, from the 200-year-old millstones grinding corn to the ecology of the brook that has powered mills throughout the centuries.

(Submitted on December 22, 2025, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)

2. Saugus Iron Works. At Saugus Iron Works in Saugus, Massachusetts the National Park Service operates a colonial period replica mill with a 500 pound working Triphammer.

Saugus Iron Works is a twelve-acre National Historic Site that includes working waterwheels, forges, mills, a historic 17th century home, and a lush river basin.

(Submitted on December 22, 2025, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)

Deacon Samuel Edson Millstones image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 26, 2025

3. Deacon Samuel Edson Millstones

These millstones are displayed to the right of the plaque.

Deacon Samuel Edson Millstones & Triphammer image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 28, 2025

4. Deacon Samuel Edson Millstones & Triphammer

These millstones and Triphammer component are displayed to the right of the plaque.

Deacon Samuel Edson Mill Races image. Click for full size.

Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, May 28, 2025

5. Deacon Samuel Edson Mill Races

Extensive mill races (channels) used to direct water are well preserved at this location.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,555 times since then and 177 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 22, 2025, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.