Fairhaven, Coastal town in Bristol County, Massachusetts.
Fairhaven is a coastal town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, located along Buzzards Bay. The town features Victorian-era buildings, working waterfront areas, and a street network that connects it to the neighboring city of New Bedford.
The settlement was established in 1659 when John Cooke and John Winslow acquired land from Wampanoag leader Massasoit and created a community called Sconticut. Over the following centuries, it developed into an important fishing and harbor center.
The town's identity is rooted in its maritime character, visible in the active fishing harbor and the way locals gather near the waterfront. The community continues traditions passed down through generations of fishing families who still work the bay.
Fort Phoenix State Reservation offers public beaches, parking, and recreational facilities within walking distance of downtown. The area is easily navigable with good access to waterfront spaces for exploring at your own pace.
Henry Huttleston Rogers, a wealthy businessman, funded numerous public buildings in the late 1800s including schools and libraries that still stand today. His philanthropic legacy shaped the town's infrastructure and continues to serve residents.
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