Few scenes can surpass this in loveliness, if the visitor is fortunate enough to arrive when the tide is in. Although by the configuration of the land Plymouth Harbor seems to have been designed for a perfect haven against every wind that blows, unfortunately it is dependent upon a full sea for depth enough of water to float vessels of large draft to the wharves. With the assistance of the State of Massachusetts a channel 150 feet wide with eighteen feet depth at mean low water, was opened in 1913 from Beach Point to the fine new stone pier of the Plymouth Cordage Co., and by it that great industrial plant now brings its fibre, for manufacture, direct from Mexico to its mills in steamships of 3500 tons measurement. In 1876 the United States Government dug a small channel from Broad channel to the wharves, where none had existed. In 1914-15 the Government and State co-operated in improving the old “Mayflower channel,” from deep water at Beach Point along the inside of the Beach and up Broad channel to the town wharves, so that for the entire distance there is a width of 200 feet and depth of 18 feet at mean low water. This allows steamers and light draft vessels to land at any time of tide, while at high water barges and heavy freight carriers drawing 25 feet or more can have easy access to the piers. These harbor improvements accommodate any vessels that can pass through the Cape Cod Canal which opens into the bay 16 miles below Plymouth and are of great advantage to the Pilgrim port. Other important changes of the water front and harbor may develop previous to the tercentenary celebration of “the Landing,” to take place in 1920-21, plans and details for which are in charge of a special State Commission.
Immediately upon leaving the station of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, on arrival in Plymouth, and while traversing Old Colony park to Court street, the main street of the town, the Samoset House is in full view in the front. Looking towards the Samoset House on the way through the park the first street on its right leading from Court street is Cushman street; and the walk continued up Cushman street and little northward along Allerton street, will shortly bring the visitor to the National Monument to the Forefathers.
The National Monument to the Forefathers
The corner stone of the National Monument was laid Aug. 2, 1859, and the work entrusted to Hammatt Billings who drew the design for the Monument in all its details. The main pedestal was put in position in 1876, and in the following summer the statue of Faith was erected. The monument was completed in October, 1888, and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies August 1, 1889. It is built entirely of granite, the statues all coming from the quarries of the Hallowell Granite Company of Maine. (See frontispiece.)
The idea of building the monument to the memory of the Pilgrim Fathers was early entertained in the town, and was formed into a definite object by the incorporation of the Pilgrim Society in January, 1820; which object was kept steadily in view and prosecuted to successful conclusion.
The plan of the principal pedestal is octagonal, with four small and four large faces; from the small faces project four buttresses or wing pedestals. On the main pedestal stands the figure of Faith. One foot rests upon Forefathers’ Rock; in her left hand she holds a Bible; with the right uplifted she points to heaven. Looking downward, as to those she is addressing, she seems to call to them to trust in a higher power.
THE FIRST TREATY WITH THE INDIANS.
Alto Relief on National Monument.
