South Dartmouth in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Russell Garrison Site c. 1664
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 19, 2026
1. Russell Garrison Site c. 1664 Marker
Thousands of years before any English settlement, this area known as Apponagansett, was home to Native Americans later known as the Pokanoket (Wampanoag). About 1664 English colonist John Russell, a planter and the first Dartmouth Representative to the General Court at Plymouth, settled here, built his homestead for his family and lived in peace with the local 'natives on this site for more than 11 years. Remnants of the foundation are all that remain here of that home.
In 1675, angered by loss of land, liberty and lives, some Pokanokets under Metacom and their allies, entered into, war with the English. In late June, the Dartmouth colonists were threatened and a small group of local settlers took refuge in Russell's house fearing an attack that never materialized. The Plymouth militia arrived in July and converted the homestead into a garrison from which negotiations began with the local natives. Peace was negotiated and the natives surrendered themselves to the militia. Their trust betrayed, they were taken as prisoners and sold into slavery beyond our shores by the leadership of Plymouth Colony.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the King Philip's War 1675-1676 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1664.
Location. 41° 35.866′ N, 70° 57.423′ W. Marker is in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is on Fort Street north of Lucy Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Dartmouth MA 02748, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: The Russell Garrison
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 19, 2026
2. Russell Garrison Site c. 1664 Marker
Also see . . .
1. Russell Garrison (Wikipedia).
The Russell Garrison was a fortified area of Dartmouth, Massachusetts in the 17th century. Now a small town-owned public park located on Fort Street in its Apponagansett neighborhood, the garrison site includes the reconstructed foundational remnants of the homestead of early settler John Russell, progenitor of the locally prominent Russell family.(Submitted on June 20, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
2. Old Dartmouth Historical Sketches - John Russell.
Beside this stream he built his house, about 20 feet square with large stone chimney, and so-called "salt-box" ell at the north. This house was undoubtedly similar to the Thomas Taber(Submitted on June 20, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)House at Fairhaven a fragment of which still remains and belongs to this Society, and we also have an interesting painting of Taber's, giving an excellent idea of a very early Dartmouth House. The entire sides of the Russell house were probably constructed of stones. Nearby where he planted his apple orchards well fenced. Here he dwelt with his household in comparative peace and plenty. Such was the pattern of his Dartmouth scene when the Indian War with King Philip broke out in the summer of 167S.Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 19, 20263. Russell Garrison Site
3. The Russell Garrison - Holly Herbster, Senior Archaeologist.
This presentation posted at the QR code on the marker explores the importance of this historical location and archaeological site.(Submitted on June 20, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 19, 2026
4. The Russell Garrison Roadside Sign
Posted on Elm Street and Lucy Street.
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, June 19, 2026
5. The Russell Garrison Roadside Sign
Directs the historical journeyman to turn onto Fort Street to the Russel Garrison.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 19, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
