Weir Village, Massachusetts facts for kids
Weir Village is a small community in the city of Taunton, located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It's often called "The Weir." This village sits about one mile south of Taunton's city center. It is right on the banks of the Taunton River, where the river starts to be affected by the ocean's tides.
The village got its name from "fishing weirs." These were special fences or traps placed across the Taunton River. People used them for a very long time, from before European settlers arrived until the early 1900s. They were used to catch many fish, especially herring (also known as "alewifes"). Today, the main business area of Weir Village is on the west side of the river along Weir Street. A busy neighborhood with many homes stretches east across the river, along Plain and Berkley Streets.
Contents
History of Weir Village
Early Days and Fishing Traps
Long ago, the area around Taunton was called "Cohannet" by the Wampanoag tribes. These native people lived here before the first English settlers came in the early 1600s. The spot that became Weir Village was important to them. They built fishing weirs in the Taunton River to catch the many herring that swam there.
When more settlers arrived, catching herring became a very important part of the local economy. Early settlers used the fish to make their farm fields grow better. They also used the fish for food.
Growth and Industry
In the early 1800s, a shipbuilding industry started in Weir Village. Ships were built right here! In 1838, the Taunton Branch Railroad began operating. It had a special stop in Weir Village, just north of Ingell Street.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, large ships from the ocean would dock at Weir Village. This made the village a very important part of Taunton's economy. Taunton was known for making bricks, iron, fabrics (textiles), and machinery. Weir Village was also a key place for moving grain. Grain from inland areas of southeastern Massachusetts would come here to be sent out to other places.
Famous Companies in Weir Village
Several important companies were once located in Weir Village. The Old Weir Stove Company was on West Water Street. It was famous for making the "Glenwood" cooking stove. Part of this stove factory later became the F.B. Rogers Silver Company. This company made silver items and was right on the west bank of the Taunton River. The Bacon Felt Company was also on West Water Street. Further south, you can see the tall smokestacks of the former Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant.
Weir Village Today
Community Efforts and New Life
In recent years, a group called the Neighborhood Corporation has been working to make Weir Village better. This non-profit group helps improve Weir Village and other parts of Taunton. For example, in 2005, they finished fixing up the old Cohannet Mill No. 3 on Ingell Street. It was turned into apartments and spaces for shops and offices. This group is also working to change the old F.B. Rogers Silver Company factory into cool new homes called "loft residences."
Local Shops and Services
Weir Village has a small but busy area with shops, places to eat, and bars. It is also home to the historic Weir Engine House. This building is at the corner of Weir and Ingell Streets. It houses Engine 3 and Ladder 3 of the Taunton Fire Department. It also has the Taunton Police Weir precinct. A bridge over the Taunton River in Weir Village is very important. It helps traffic move across the city.
Businesses and Parks
Weir Village still has several businesses and factories. Inside a modern warehouse between 4th Street and 5th Street, you can find larger businesses. These places offer recreational sports and performing arts programs for young people in the community. The part of the Taunton River that flows through Weir Village has two narrow public parks along its banks. These are Weir Village Riverfront Park West and Weir Village Riverfront Park East.
