Lancaster in Worcester County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

Rowlandson Rock

1630 - 1930

Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, July 25, 2010

1. Rowlandson Rock Marker

Inscription. On the crest of George Hill, near by, is situated Rowlandson Rock where the captives from the Rowlandson garrison house passed their first night after the burning of Lancaster by the Indians February 10, 1675–76.

Erected 1930 by Massachusetts Bay Colony-Tercentenary Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Massachusetts Bay Colony—Tercentenary Commission Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 10, 1644.

Location. 42° 26.498′ N, 71° 41.21′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, Massachusetts, in Worcester County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Massachusetts Route 70) and Sterling Road on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lancaster MA 01523, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sawyer-Carter Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Rowlandson Rock (approx. ¾ mile away); Site of Mary Rowlandson’s Capture (approx. 0.8 miles away); Site of the Great Elm (approx. one mile away); Neck Bridge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Prescott Grist Mill (approx. 1.4 miles away); Lancaster

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(approx. 1.6 miles away); Mary Sawyer’s Birthplace (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.

More about this marker. This marker is actually rather far from the rock referred to. The rock itself is in the woods, about 0.7 mile away, where it has its own marker. See other nearby markers section above for the link to the other marker.

Regarding Rowlandson Rock. During King Philip’s War, the town of Lancaster, MA, was very much on the frontier. Six houses of prominent citizens were designated garrisons for refuge, including that of Rev. Joseph Rowlandson. While the minister was away, a band of Indians led by Nipmuc sachem Monoco assaulted the town at dawn, killing or capturing four dozen residents. Among the captives were the minister’s wife, Mary, and their three children.

Mary Rowlandson later wrote a gripping account of her 82-day ordeal that is considered a classic of Colonial
Era literature.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for Mary Rowlandson. More about Mary Rowlandson. (Submitted on July 25, 2010, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)

2. Original 1930 publication by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Tercentenary Commission Markers

View of Street Intersection with Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, July 25, 2010

2. View of Street Intersection with Marker

. Original 1930 publication by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Tercentenary Commission Markers, commemorating the three hundredth anniversary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (Submitted on May 21, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2010, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 2,241 times since then and 61 times this year. Last updated on October 26, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2010, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.