In the 1800s, religious camps were popular on the island. As popularity increased, this open-air wrought iron structure was built, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the US. With seating for 3,000 people and exquisite woodworking and stained glass, it is truly a magnificent sight. In 1979, its centennial year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabernacle is used today for concerts, Sunday church services, community sing-alongs and special ceremonies.
This state park in Vineyard Haven is truly a natural wonder. The park consists of more than 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) and is located in the center of the island. In the early 20th century, the park was established as a reserve dedicated towards the protection of Heath hens, a now extinct, specie of the Greater prairie chicken family. Today, the park is used for recreational purposes such as hiking, cross country skiing, cycling, horseback riding and more. There are picnic areas, rest rooms and showers available. A large environmental restoration project is underway in an attempt to revive the native grassland ecosystem.
A classic 17th-century timber-frame house, the Jabez Howland House is located on 33 Sandwich Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This historic house also has the unique distinction of being the only heritage property in the whole of Plymouth where Pilgrims once resided. Featuring a porch, massive hall and a hall chamber, this house served as the living quarters of John Howland and his family. This historic residence was turned into a museum post-1912 when extensive revamping and restructuring work was carried out on the house with the aim to restore its original look.
The National Monument to the Forefathers or the Pilgrim Monument is the world's biggest solid granite monument and one of the tallest statues in the United States. Built between 1907 and 1910, the 81 foot (25 meters) was designed by sculptor Hammatt Billings in memory of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The sculpture is surrounded by lush green gardens, making for a peaceful and refreshing visit.
Richard Sparrow House is a cozy artistic bungalow built during 1640. An English surveyor, Richard Sparrow lived here along with his family and it is one of the oldest villas in the city. The saltbox style house now has a museum, a gallery and a gift shop with unique handmade crafts. The museum here has collectibles from the period and showcases the lifestyle of the bygone era. A visit to the historical residence would help patrons know about the history of the settlers.
Covering an area of 17 acres (6.9 hectares), the Pilgrim Memorial State Park is one of the popular parks in the city often frequented by the locals as well as the tourists. Located by the beach shore, the park not only offers splendid views of the sea but is also home to the city’s two most well-known monuments: the Plymouth Rock and the National Monument to the Forefathers. Visitors to the park can spend their time walking on the numerous park trails, picnic with their families on the greens, or simply enjoy the stunning views by themselves.
The Monomoy Point Light is a historic lighthouse located at the Monomoy Island. It was initially built as a wooden tower in 1823 but was later reconstructed as a cast iron structure in 1849. Spread across an area of 4 acres (1.6 hectares), the light was functional until 1923. Time has not taken a toll on this structure as the lighthouse has been preserved well. Open to the public, tours of the lighthouse are conducted, where the visitors can get acquainted with the light's history and the scenic views it has to offer.
Located in the heart of Osterville village, the Osterville Baptist Church dates back to 1837. For more than 250 years, this humble structure has been serving as the sacred home of the Baptist Christian community in Osterville. The church was designed in Gothic Revival and Greek Revival style by architect Simeon Deyo. The church is a simple white structure with a steeple at its front entrance. Check website for schedule of masses and other events.
Harlow Old Fort House is a historic property located on Sandwich Street, Plymouth. This First Period house was constructed in 1677 using timber wood obtained from Pilgrims' Fort on Burial Hill, which was subsequently demolished in 1677. The house served as the living quarters of the Harlow Family for approximately 250 years, post which the ownership was transferred to the Ply mouth Antiquarian Society. The revamped and restored historic house was opened to the public in 1921, under the supervision and regulation of the Society. It got inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
A classic 17th-century timber-frame house, the Jabez Howland House is located on 33 Sandwich Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This historic house also has the unique distinction of being the only heritage property in the whole of Plymouth where Pilgrims once resided. Featuring a porch, massive hall and a hall chamber, this house served as the living quarters of John Howland and his family. This historic residence was turned into a museum post-1912 when extensive revamping and restructuring work was carried out on the house with the aim to restore its original look.
A notable structure located amid the scenic plains beyond the sandy shores of Harding's Beach, Stage Harbor Light is set against a picturesque backdrop comprised of pristine waters and undulating grasslands. While the lighthouse itself may not be accessible, visitors can admire its striking visage from vantage points provided by Harding's Beach and soak in the surrounding scenery as it strikes the right balance with the lighthouse's historical splendor. An enduring marvel, Stage Harbor Light traces its origins back to 1880 and is recognized as one of the defining landmarks of the area.
Cape Poge Light, or Cape Pogue Light, is located off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. A part of Edgartown, this beach provides tourists with myriad opportunities for a relaxing vacation. The Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge offers many tours to explore the island, including a tour of the Cape Poge Lighthouse. The wood tower is built on the northern tip and guides ships sailing into the Edgartown harbor. Every six seconds, the tower flashes a white light that can be seen for 9 miles (14.48 kilometers). Hiking along its many trails or taking leisurely fishing and kayaking trips, visitors have many options to enjoy the pristine surroundings.