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Annisquam, Massachusetts facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Annisquam is a beautiful village located right on the water in the city of Gloucester, Massachusetts. It's part of Essex County, on what's called the North Shore of Massachusetts. You can find it just a few miles across Cape Ann from downtown Gloucester.

Exploring Annisquam's Past

The Name and Early Settlers

The name "Annisquam" comes from an old Algonquian language. It means something like "top of the rock." The first European settlers arrived in Annisquam way back in 1631.

Annisquam's Art and Industry

In the late 1800s, Annisquam was a busy place. People worked in granite quarries, digging out stone. It also became home to an artist colony. Many painters came here, like George Loftus Noyes and Margaret Fitzhugh Browne. They were inspired by the beautiful ocean views. This art community was sometimes called "Squam" in the 1890s. Artists like William Lamb Picknell, Emil Carlsen, and Robert Vonnoh lived and created many artworks here.

Annisquam Today

Today, Annisquam is mostly a quiet village where people live. It has a few local businesses, like a restaurant and a marina. You can also find a small hotel, a real estate office, and a library. The Annisquam Yacht Club, which started in 1896, is also here. Because of its small size, old buildings, and peaceful location, Annisquam is still a popular spot for summer vacations.

Annisquam Harbor Light

At the mouth of the Annisquam River, facing Ipswich Bay, stands the Annisquam Harbor Light. This lighthouse is one of the village's most historic buildings. It has been in the same spot since 1801. The lighthouse had important repairs done in 1850 to keep it shining brightly.

  • Annisquam River (Massachusetts) map

    Annisquam's location on Cape Ann

  • Lobster Cove, Annisquam, Essex County, Massachusetts

    Lobster Cove around 1820

  • Annisquam Bridge Showing Annisquam, MA

    Annisquam Bridge in 1909

  • Post Office & Fish Houses & Street Scene, Annisquam, MA

    A street scene around 1910

  • The Yacht Club House, Annisquam, MA

    The yacht club in 1911

Annisquam in Movies

Did you know that parts of the 1993 movie The Good Son were filmed right here in Annisquam? The movie starred Macaulay Culkin.

Historic Sites

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