Marshfield dates back to the early days of the Pilgrims, settled as a town in 1620 as part of the “New Colony of New Plimoth in New England,” by the Pilgrims. In 1632 Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim from the Mayflower, established Marshfield as a separate settlement. Under Winslow’s leadership, Marshfield soon created its first school and church. A governor of Plymouth Colony, Winslow traveled back to England and returned with cattle for Plymouth Plantation as well as Marshfield. The cattle business became a major industry in early Marshfield along with farming and fishing.
With a history that can be traced back to Pilgrims, many of Marshfield’s homes and churches reflect the character of the town. Even the names of particular sections of the town have been passed on for many generations. Green Harbor is named for William Green, an early settler who established commercial fishing in the harbor. Marshfield was also home to the first person born in the new colony. Peregrine White was born on the Mayflower while it was docked on the Cape, before the Pilgrims settled on Plymouth as the site of their permanent home. Peregrine resided in Marshfield, becoming a selectman and respected citizen, and a symbol of the first generation born in the new world. Peregrine’s cradle from 1620 is a preserved relic at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth.
Despite its proud ties to the Pilgrims and their early settlement, Marshfield’s history also includes conflict among its residents. In the days leading up to the American Revolution, Marshfield had a strong Loyalist contingency in town with many residents siding with the British and providing shelter to English soldiers. One day after the first shots at Lexington, Marshfield was site of a battle as Patriots from surrounding communities circled the largely crown-loyal town and attacked Loyalists, many of which fled on British ships. However, not everyone in town favored British rule, a small group of Marshfield residents were Patriots, even partaking in a tea party days after the Boston act of rebellion.
