Date Of Visit: March 39, 2019
Location: Moswetuset Hummock, 440 East Squantum St, Quincy, MA
Hours: open daily, dawn to dusk
Parking: Free parking is available for about a dozen vehicles:
Universally Accessible: Because of the dirt and rocky surface and a few slight inclines it is not universally accessible
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: views of Quincy and the surrounding area, short trail, historic importance
Summary: A small, often overlooked park in Quincy, MA, has a special historical significance to Massachusetts
Sometimes hidden history is in the wide open. Such is the case with the small park located along the Wollaston Beach and Quincy Bay area.
The .4 mile loop (yes it is a very short trail) is easy. Along the short trail you’ll see pretty views of the neighboring Wollaston Beach and Squantum (another name with a historical connection to the area).
While the trail at Moswetuset is short and easy, if you walk down the somewhat steep side of the trail, you can get some pretty views of Boston and the Quincy area. These photos were taken from the rocky area off the main trail during twilight in March.
Moswetuset, which means “shaped like an arrowhead”, is often overlooked for the more popular Wollaston Beach which is located around the corner from Moswetuset. Yet, the fact that it is overlooked gives it a special charm. It also has an interesting historical background.
Moswetuset is said to have been the seat of the ruling Massachusetts Chief Chickatawbut. It is also the place where Plymouth colony commander Myles Standish and his guide Tisquantum (Squanto) met with Chief Chicktawbut in 1621.
Named after the native tribe of Moswetuset, the name of this area would later become known as Massachusetts.
As the sign below states, Chief Chickawawbut agreed to a treaty with then Governor Winthrop which neither side broke. And, of course, there is a Dunkin’ Donuts across the street which you may see in the background. It is Massachusetts after all.
From Wollaston Beach the area looks simply like a wooded area without much to see.
Yet, hidden within that cluster of trees lies a true hidden treasure with a hidden history.