Dogtown
Witches and Wisdome
State: Massachusetts
County: Essex County
Founded: 1693
Abandoned: 1830s
Peak Population: 100
Dogtown was an inland settlement on Cape Ann, home to outcasts after the coastal towns grew. By the 1830s, only widows and their dogs remained - hence the name. Roger Babson later carved inspirational words into the boulders. These eerily inscribed rocks remain in the forest.
Outcast Settlement
Those who couldn't afford coastal land settled here. After the Revolution, only the poorest remained.
Babson's Boulders
In the 1920s-30s, millionaire Roger Babson had workers carve words like 'COURAGE' and 'INTEGRITY' into boulders as a make-work project.
Timeline
- 1693 - Settled Families moved inland
- 1830s - Abandoned Last residents died
- 1920s - Babson Motivational boulders carved
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Moderate - hiking trails
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Quick Facts
- Cellar holes still visible
- 24 carved 'wisdom' boulders
- Popular hiking area today
Location
Address: Dogtown Common, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42.6389, -70.6611