Quincy Harbor

Marinas near Quincy Harbor

Introduction:

Town River Bay and the town of Quincy, MA, are located on the southern edge of Boston Harbor between the towns of Weymouth and North Quincy off the Weymouth Fore River. Inside the harbor you will find a variety of marinas, with two of the large facilities lying on the south shore of the bay. There is an anchorage on the north shore, and a smaller marina near Cat Island as well. Quincy is a fairly industrial city, so there is not much of a tourist industry here, but it is a pleasant and quiet stop nonetheless.

History:

Quincy was first settled by English immigrants in 1625, as Mount Wollaston (with a most unusual history), subsequently became part of Braintree, Massachusetts, was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1792, and made a city in 1888.

Among its several firsts was the Granite Railway, the first commercial railroad in the United States. It was constructed to carry granite from a quarry in Quincy to the Neponset River in Milton so that the stone could be taken to build the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Quincy granite became famous throughout the nation, and stonecutting became the city's principal economic activity.

[i]Portions courtesy Town of Quincy[/i]

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13270.

The approach to Town River Bay and Quincy starts in the Weymouth Fore River at flashing green "1," just north of Pig Rock and The Piglets. From here, join the Weymouth Fore River Channel at flashing red buoy "WW," and set a course to the south along the well marked channel towards Fort Point and Jacknife Ledge. You will then pick up quick flashing red "22," where the channel turns to the southwest and closer to the opening at Town River Bay.

Town River Bay opens up at Germantown Point and flashing red buoy "28" (visible in the image above). From here, you can head into the harbor and Hole Point Reach. Depths here average at least ten feet, and the channel is well marked.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

Be sure to visit the Adams National Historical Park, commemorating the distinguished men and women of the Adams family who dedicated their lived to the founding and strengthening of the United States. The thirteen acre park includes the home of this remarkable family; the farmhouse where both presidents were born, recognized as the oldest presidential birthplaces in the country; the Visitor Center; and the United First Parish Church and Adams Crypt. Visit the Adams National Historical Park web site.

Other prominent attractions that you won’t want to miss include: the Hancock Cemetery, the colonial community’s first and main burial ground; the Thomas Crane Public Library, a national architectural landmark; the Adams Academy Society; the birthplace of John Hancock; the Dorothy Quincy Homestead; and the Josiah Quincy House, site of many Sons of Liberty meetings.

For a detailed calendar of events, check out the "Helpful Links" section below for a detailed calendar of events.

Transportation:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs regularly scheduled bus service on the red line to Quincy Adams station on Burgin Parkway. From here, you can find connectiing service to Boston, Logan International Airport and point north.

For a detailed transit schedule, see the "Helpful Links" section below.

Helpful Links:

Town of Quincy

Quincy Tourism Site

Quincy Calendar of Events

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority