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

Early Canal

Photographed by William Ricker, April 26, 2025

1. Early Canal Marker

Inscription.
From Greens Harbor River
to Duxbury Bay
1636 Ordered that the
Cutt at Greens Harbor
for a Boat passage Shal
be made Eighteen Foote
Wide and Sixe Foote Deep.

Erected by Marshfield Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1633.

Location. 42° 4.299′ N, 70° 39.129′ W. Marker is in Marshfield, Massachusetts, in Plymouth County. It is on Canal Street north of Bay Street, on the right when traveling east. Located next to the bridge over the canal. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 298, Marshfield MA 02050, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the South Shore.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:

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The Home of Daniel Webster (approx. 1.6 miles away); First Meetinghouse (approx. 1.8 miles away); Daniel Webster (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Daniel Webster (approx. 1.8 miles away); Early Settlers at Green Harbor Marshfield (approx. 1.8 miles away); Site of First Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Edward Winslow (approx. 1.8 miles away); Site of Point School (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshfield.

More about this marker. The marker is modern granite with antiquated quotation, quoting decision of 1636 to expand the Cut River Canal.

Regarding Early Canal. Chartered initially in 1633 by Plymouth Col., expanded in 1636 and/or 1645. Alleged to be the first (European) canal project in (English) North America. This canal allowed small boats to travel between Marshfield and Plymouth without facing open water waves of Cape Cod Bay. Recognized by the American Canal Society.

Also see . . . Cut River. American Canal Society Canal Index Committee record, 1974

Somewhat meandering channel through marshland providing connection between north end Plymouth

Bay
Photographed by William Ricker, April 26, 2025

2. View of the canal towards the south
(Duxbury Bay) and North River which ran parallel to coast from Scituate to Marshfield.

Full length was tidewater and was navigable 20 out of 24 hours.

No record known on method of construction. In Pilgrim days assume simple hand methods.

(Submitted on April 26, 2025, by William Ricker of Boston, Massachusetts.)

Additional keywords. Cut River

View of the canal towards the north image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Ricker, April 26, 2025

3. View of the canal towards the north

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by William Ricker of Boston, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2025, by William Ricker of Boston, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?