Bay Road (Bristol County, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bay Road
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Bay Road at Wheaton Farm in Easton
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| Location | Easton, Massachusetts |
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| NRHP reference No. | 72000118 |
| Added to NRHP | May 5, 1972 |
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Old Bay Road
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Bay Road near Winnicunnet Pond in Norton
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| Location | Norton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1640 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000362 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 1974 |
Bay Road is a long road in southeastern Massachusetts. It stretches about 17.2 miles from north to south. This road is very old, dating back to colonial times. Back then, people knew it as the King's Highway.
Two parts of Bay Road are very special. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites. One part is in Easton, and the other is the whole section in Norton. Some of the oldest houses in the area are found along this historic road. For example, the Joseph White House in Norton might have been built as early as 1696.
What is Bay Road?
Bay Road is more than just a street; it's a piece of history. It was once called the King's Highway. This was a major route for early settlers in colonial America. Imagine people traveling along this very path hundreds of years ago!
A Journey Through History
Bay Road starts near the towns of Canton and Sharon. It begins just north of where it meets Route 27. From there, it heads south, following the border between Sharon and Stoughton.
The road then enters Bristol County in the town of Easton. In Easton, Bay Road runs next to Borderland State Park. It also crosses paths with Route 106 and Route 123 at a spot called Five Corners.
Next, Bay Road goes into the town of Norton. Here, it runs along the eastern side of Winnecunnet Pond. Soon after, it enters Taunton, where its name changes to Bay Street. In Taunton, it crosses Interstate 495.
The street continues its journey, passing by Lake Sabbatia and Watson Pond State Park. Finally, it reaches the Whittenton area of Taunton. The road ends when it meets Broadway, which is also Route 138.
Historic Homes Along the Way
As you travel along Bay Road, you can see many old buildings. These homes tell stories of the past. Some of them were built by the very first landowners in the area. The Joseph White House in Norton is a great example. It shows what homes looked like centuries ago. These historic houses remind us of the road's long and important history.
