Plymouth Light
The Plymouth Light (known locally as the Gurnet Light) was first constructed in 1768 with two (2) lights on the property of John and Hannah Thomas, who also became the first lighthouse keepers.
The Gurnet, is a 27-acre peninsula forming the northern boundary of Plymouth Bay and become a part of Plymouth on Jan 7 1638. The Pilgrims named the land as “the gurnett’s nose,” apparently naming the area for similar headlands in the English Channel, where the gurnet fish flourished along Devonshire’s shores.
The lighthouse was built on land rented for a year from John and Hannah Thomas. John, served as the first keeper and served until he joined the Continental Army. He recruited a regiment of volunteers from Plymouth County to help repel the British in the Siege of Boston, and then as a major general led troops in Quebec, where he died of small pox on June 2, 1776. Along with raising their three children, Hannah took over John’s lighthouse post, making her the first female lighthouse keeper in America.
After the Revolutionary War the lighthouse was refurbished by the U.S. Government and put back in service with Hannah Thomas as keeper until 1790. Hannah hired Nathaniel Burgess to serve as keeper.
In 1801 the lighthouses caught fire and burned, the U.S. Government rebuilt it as twin towers.
In 1842 the crumbling towers were replaced with two white octagonal pyramidal towers. However the lights were too close together, it they appeared as one single beam. 1914 the Cape Cod Canal opened, giving the Plymouth Light new importance as a navigational aid. 1924 the Bureau of Lighthouses discontinued the one of the twin lights, leaving one light. 1998 the U.S. Coast Guard moved the lighthouse 140 feet back from the eroding 45-ft cliff.
Paranormal Activity
The lighthouse is rumored to be haunted by Hannah Thomas. Stories tell of a photographer who spent the night here and saw an apparition of the upper half of a woman in period clothing with long dark hair, who most believe to be Hannah.
The Plymouth Light (known locally as the Gurnet Light) was first constructed in 1768 with two (2) lights on the property of John and Hannah Thomas, who also became the first lighthouse keepers.
The Gurnet, is a 27-acre peninsula forming the northern boundary of Plymouth Bay and become a part of Plymouth on Jan 7 1638. The Pilgrims named the land as “the gurnett’s nose,” apparently naming the area for similar headlands in the English Channel, where the gurnet fish flourished along Devonshire’s shores.
The lighthouse was built on land rented for a year from John and Hannah Thomas. John, served as the first keeper and served until he joined the Continental Army. He recruited a regiment of volunteers from Plymouth County to help repel the British in the Siege of Boston, and then as a major general led troops in Quebec, where he died of small pox on June 2, 1776. Along with raising their three children, Hannah took over John’s lighthouse post, making her the first female lighthouse keeper in America.
After the Revolutionary War the lighthouse was refurbished by the U.S. Government and put back in service with Hannah Thomas as keeper until 1790. Hannah hired Nathaniel Burgess to serve as keeper.
In 1801 the lighthouses caught fire and burned, the U.S. Government rebuilt it as twin towers.
In 1842 the crumbling towers were replaced with two white octagonal pyramidal towers. However the lights were too close together, it they appeared as one single beam. 1914 the Cape Cod Canal opened, giving the Plymouth Light new importance as a navigational aid. 1924 the Bureau of Lighthouses discontinued the one of the twin lights, leaving one light. 1998 the U.S. Coast Guard moved the lighthouse 140 feet back from the eroding 45-ft cliff.
Paranormal Activity
The lighthouse is rumored to be haunted by Hannah Thomas. Stories tell of a photographer who spent the night here and saw an apparition of the upper half of a woman in period clothing with long dark hair, who most believe to be Hannah.
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is known as the disembarkation the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. It's a great story but it's not accurate.
The two sources of information on the Plymouth Colony come from writings of Edward Winslow (Mourt's Relation) and William Bradford (History of Plymouth Plantation). Neither writer mentions the rock.
Plymouth Rock first came into the public's attention in 1741 when residents of the colony began plans to build a wharf which would bury it. As construction was to begin, 94-year-old Thomas Faunce, who resided three (3) miles from the spot, declared that the boulder was the landing place of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
According the Plymouth historian James Thacher, Mr. Faunce requested to be brought to the rock to say a farewell. A chair was provided, and Mr. Faunce was transported to the shore, where a number of the inhabitants were assembled to witness the benediction. Mr. Faunce pointed to the rock directly under the bank of Cole's Hill, which his father had assured him was the rock had received the footsteps of our fathers on their first arrival, and which should be perpetuated to posterity.
Mr. Faunce's father arrived in Plymouth Colony aboard the ship Anne in 1623, two years after the Mayflower landing, and Elder Faunce was born in 1647 when many of the Mayflower Pilgrims were still living, so his assertion made a strong impression on the people of Plymouth. The wharf was built but the rock left intact, the top portion protruding from the dirt so as to be visible to curious visitors. Recent generations have called Faunce's story into question, alleging that he invented the story or did not have the correct facts.
Rocks Split and Gets Moved Around
Colonel Theophilus Cotton and the inhabitants of Plymouth decided to move the rock in 1774. It was split into two parts, with the bottom portion left behind at the wharf and the top portion relocated to the town's meeting house.
The upper portion of the rock was relocated from Plymouth's meetinghouse to Pilgrim Hall in 1834. In 1859, the Pilgrim Society began building a Victorian canopy at the wharf over the lower portion of the rock, which was completed in 1867. The top of the rock was moved from Pilgrim Hall back to its original wharf location in 1880 and rejoined to the lower portion, and the date "1620" was carved into it.
In 1920, the rock was temporarily relocated so that the old wharves could be removed and the waterfront re-landscaped. A waterfront promenade was constructed behind a low seawall in such a way that, when the rock was returned to its original site, it would be at water level. The care of the rock was turned over to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A new Roman Doric portico was constructed, for viewing the tide-washed rock protected by gratings.
During the rock's many travels throughout Plymouth, numerous pieces were taken, bought, and sold. Today approximately 1⁄3 of the top portion remains.
Some documents indicate that tourists or souvenir hunters chipped it down, although no pieces have been noticeably removed since 1880. Today there are pieces in Pilgrim Hall Museum, as well as in the Patent Building in the Smithsonian.
Plymouth Rock is known as the disembarkation the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. It's a great story but it's not accurate.
The two sources of information on the Plymouth Colony come from writings of Edward Winslow (Mourt's Relation) and William Bradford (History of Plymouth Plantation). Neither writer mentions the rock.
Plymouth Rock first came into the public's attention in 1741 when residents of the colony began plans to build a wharf which would bury it. As construction was to begin, 94-year-old Thomas Faunce, who resided three (3) miles from the spot, declared that the boulder was the landing place of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
According the Plymouth historian James Thacher, Mr. Faunce requested to be brought to the rock to say a farewell. A chair was provided, and Mr. Faunce was transported to the shore, where a number of the inhabitants were assembled to witness the benediction. Mr. Faunce pointed to the rock directly under the bank of Cole's Hill, which his father had assured him was the rock had received the footsteps of our fathers on their first arrival, and which should be perpetuated to posterity.
Mr. Faunce's father arrived in Plymouth Colony aboard the ship Anne in 1623, two years after the Mayflower landing, and Elder Faunce was born in 1647 when many of the Mayflower Pilgrims were still living, so his assertion made a strong impression on the people of Plymouth. The wharf was built but the rock left intact, the top portion protruding from the dirt so as to be visible to curious visitors. Recent generations have called Faunce's story into question, alleging that he invented the story or did not have the correct facts.
Rocks Split and Gets Moved Around
Colonel Theophilus Cotton and the inhabitants of Plymouth decided to move the rock in 1774. It was split into two parts, with the bottom portion left behind at the wharf and the top portion relocated to the town's meeting house.
The upper portion of the rock was relocated from Plymouth's meetinghouse to Pilgrim Hall in 1834. In 1859, the Pilgrim Society began building a Victorian canopy at the wharf over the lower portion of the rock, which was completed in 1867. The top of the rock was moved from Pilgrim Hall back to its original wharf location in 1880 and rejoined to the lower portion, and the date "1620" was carved into it.
In 1920, the rock was temporarily relocated so that the old wharves could be removed and the waterfront re-landscaped. A waterfront promenade was constructed behind a low seawall in such a way that, when the rock was returned to its original site, it would be at water level. The care of the rock was turned over to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A new Roman Doric portico was constructed, for viewing the tide-washed rock protected by gratings.
During the rock's many travels throughout Plymouth, numerous pieces were taken, bought, and sold. Today approximately 1⁄3 of the top portion remains.
Some documents indicate that tourists or souvenir hunters chipped it down, although no pieces have been noticeably removed since 1880. Today there are pieces in Pilgrim Hall Museum, as well as in the Patent Building in the Smithsonian.
Burial Hill Cemetery
Burial Hill
The cemetery of 80-acres of land. Originally the pilgrims constructed a fort on top of Burial Hill in 1621-1622. Burial Hill also served as meetinghouse for the colony and for First Parish Church until 1677. The hill wasn’t used as a burial lot until after it was abandoned for defensive reasons. The first mention of Burial Hill as a cemetery was in 1698 by Chief Justice Sewall in his writings.
The oldest stone still standing is that of Edward Gray who died in 1681. It is possible however that earlier burials took place. Tradition states that the oldest grave is that of John Howland who died in 1672, however the stone marker was erected in more recent years.
The cemetery of 80-acres of land. Originally the pilgrims constructed a fort on top of Burial Hill in 1621-1622. Burial Hill also served as meetinghouse for the colony and for First Parish Church until 1677. The hill wasn’t used as a burial lot until after it was abandoned for defensive reasons. The first mention of Burial Hill as a cemetery was in 1698 by Chief Justice Sewall in his writings.
The oldest stone still standing is that of Edward Gray who died in 1681. It is possible however that earlier burials took place. Tradition states that the oldest grave is that of John Howland who died in 1672, however the stone marker was erected in more recent years.
Cole's Hill
Cole's Hill
The first recorded cemetery was Cole's Hill. It was used from 1620-1621 but not used after that time period.
The hill later was the site of a tavern and a blacksmith shop. Cole's Hill was named after either the tavern owner James Cole who arrived in Plymouth in 1633 or John Cole who purchased the hill around 1697.
Additionally the hill was used as look-out during the American Revolution.
The Pilgrim Republic states : In a storm in 1735 a torrent pouring down middle street made a ravine in Cole's Hill
and washed away many human remains down into the harbor. In 1809 a skull was with especially fine teeth was exposed. In 1855 these graves were exposed in laying the public conduit on Cole's Hill. In one grave lay two skeletons, pronounced by surgeons male and female. The male had a particularly noble forehead and it was fondly surmised that here were the remains of Mr and Mrs. Carver.
Over the hundreds of years, 11 skeletons have been recovered. The remains were moved to a sarcophagus atop of Cole's hill, where they remain.
The first recorded cemetery was Cole's Hill. It was used from 1620-1621 but not used after that time period.
The hill later was the site of a tavern and a blacksmith shop. Cole's Hill was named after either the tavern owner James Cole who arrived in Plymouth in 1633 or John Cole who purchased the hill around 1697.
Additionally the hill was used as look-out during the American Revolution.
The Pilgrim Republic states : In a storm in 1735 a torrent pouring down middle street made a ravine in Cole's Hill
and washed away many human remains down into the harbor. In 1809 a skull was with especially fine teeth was exposed. In 1855 these graves were exposed in laying the public conduit on Cole's Hill. In one grave lay two skeletons, pronounced by surgeons male and female. The male had a particularly noble forehead and it was fondly surmised that here were the remains of Mr and Mrs. Carver.
Over the hundreds of years, 11 skeletons have been recovered. The remains were moved to a sarcophagus atop of Cole's hill, where they remain.
"The Great Plymouth Mail Truck Robbery"
Status : Unsolved Theft 1962 - Plymouth, Mass.
On August 14, 1962, Six (6) men are believed to have been involved in the Plymouth Mail Robbery. Masquerading as highway workers, police officer, The criminals waited near Exit 3, Clark Road, on Route 3 to see the mail truck appear. The mail trucks was heading to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston MA. Once the signal was given, a barricade was erected from pilfered sawhorses across Route 3, forcing traffic off the highway at Exit 3 onto Clark Road.
Meanwhile, on a stretch of roadway completely obscured from by a screen of trees, two cars blocked the highway and a fake police officer waved the mail truck over. When the truck came to a halt, the “officer” and other accomplices raced to the vehicle, machine guns in hand, disarmed the postal workers and forced them to open the truck. The postal workers were blindfolded, bound and gagged, and placed in the back of the truck, while one of the criminals slid behind the wheel and drove making several stops, one of which featured the unloading of the $1.5 million in cash. Confused by all the stops the postal workers were unable to identify where the 16 or 17 bags had been taken. The criminals abandoned the truck, with the workers still inside it, in Randolph at the junction of routes 128 and 28. At the time of its occurrence, it was the single largest cash heist in history. Today, the money has never been recovered and remains unsolved.
Reward Offered
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspectors had conducted an intense investigation,but lacking evidence made the investigation difficult. The FBI at the time posted a $150,000 (10%) of the amount recovered and an additional $50,000 reward from the Post Master General for information leading to a conviction.
In a surprise move, even going so far as to deem any suspect killed in his apprehension to be deemed "convicted" for purposes of the reward.
Individuals Indicted
With the five-year federal statue of limitations, Postal Inspectorate and the Department of Justice stepped surveillance of all known armed robbers in the Boston area. Shortly before the statute of limitations was to expire, in 1967, a federal grand jury indicted four men and one woman as the perpetrators of this robbery.
George Agisotelis, Joseph Tripoli, John J. Kelley, Patricia Diaferio were tried and acquitted. Thomas Richards failed to appear for trial on Nov 7 1967, he disappeared and remains missing.
Organized Crime Involvement
Vincent "Fat Vinnie" Teresa (1930-1990), a Boston mobster who served as a lieutenant of Raymond L.S. Patriarca claimed in his book My Life in the Mafia
that John "Red" Kelley was the man who planned the robbery. He allegedly received a generous 80 cents on the dollar when the was laundered.
John "Red" Kelly
Kelley was arrested and tried for the robbery. He was represented by attorney F. Lee Bailey, who won an acquittal.
Kelley was involved in the planning and robbery of a Brinks armored car in Boston which occurred on Dec 28 1968 that netted $500,00 in cash and simular amount in checks. Kelley had intended to be part of the gang that robbed the armored car, but had backed out after two previous attempts failed. He demanded and did receive a cut of the proceeds and eventually was questioned by a grand jury. His confederates believed that he gave them up to the federal prosecutors. Once again, he was represented by Bailey.
After Teresa discovered that other members of the Patriarca crime family had taken a $4 million stash meant for his family, he agreed to become an informant for the FBI. He testified in front of the U.S. Senate in 1971 and was responsible for the indictments of over 50 mobsters. He entered the Federal Witness Protection Program and received a new identity as Charles Cantino.
Kelley testified against Raymond Patriarca in a murder case, after which he went into the Federal Witness Protection Program. Kelley gave testimony linking Patriarca and other family members to the murder of Rudolph "Rudy" Marfeo and Anthony Melei. Kelley had been contracted by Patriarca associate Maurice Lerner to kill Marfeo and Melei, whom Kelley allegedly murdered with a shotgun.
Patriarca and his associates were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder while Lerner also was convicted of murder; the mob boss was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Lerner and the other defendants were subsequently exonerated when it was established that Kelley had perjured himself at the trial, as had FBI Special Agent H. Paul Rico, who had collaborated Kelley's testimony. Kelley died Feb 10 2000 of natural causes in the federal witness protection program.
Status : Unsolved Theft 1962 - Plymouth, Mass.
On August 14, 1962, Six (6) men are believed to have been involved in the Plymouth Mail Robbery. Masquerading as highway workers, police officer, The criminals waited near Exit 3, Clark Road, on Route 3 to see the mail truck appear. The mail trucks was heading to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston MA. Once the signal was given, a barricade was erected from pilfered sawhorses across Route 3, forcing traffic off the highway at Exit 3 onto Clark Road.
Meanwhile, on a stretch of roadway completely obscured from by a screen of trees, two cars blocked the highway and a fake police officer waved the mail truck over. When the truck came to a halt, the “officer” and other accomplices raced to the vehicle, machine guns in hand, disarmed the postal workers and forced them to open the truck. The postal workers were blindfolded, bound and gagged, and placed in the back of the truck, while one of the criminals slid behind the wheel and drove making several stops, one of which featured the unloading of the $1.5 million in cash. Confused by all the stops the postal workers were unable to identify where the 16 or 17 bags had been taken. The criminals abandoned the truck, with the workers still inside it, in Randolph at the junction of routes 128 and 28. At the time of its occurrence, it was the single largest cash heist in history. Today, the money has never been recovered and remains unsolved.
Reward Offered
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspectors had conducted an intense investigation,but lacking evidence made the investigation difficult. The FBI at the time posted a $150,000 (10%) of the amount recovered and an additional $50,000 reward from the Post Master General for information leading to a conviction.
In a surprise move, even going so far as to deem any suspect killed in his apprehension to be deemed "convicted" for purposes of the reward.
Individuals Indicted
With the five-year federal statue of limitations, Postal Inspectorate and the Department of Justice stepped surveillance of all known armed robbers in the Boston area. Shortly before the statute of limitations was to expire, in 1967, a federal grand jury indicted four men and one woman as the perpetrators of this robbery.
George Agisotelis, Joseph Tripoli, John J. Kelley, Patricia Diaferio were tried and acquitted. Thomas Richards failed to appear for trial on Nov 7 1967, he disappeared and remains missing.
Organized Crime Involvement
Vincent "Fat Vinnie" Teresa (1930-1990), a Boston mobster who served as a lieutenant of Raymond L.S. Patriarca claimed in his book My Life in the Mafia
that John "Red" Kelley was the man who planned the robbery. He allegedly received a generous 80 cents on the dollar when the was laundered.
John "Red" Kelly
Kelley was arrested and tried for the robbery. He was represented by attorney F. Lee Bailey, who won an acquittal.
Kelley was involved in the planning and robbery of a Brinks armored car in Boston which occurred on Dec 28 1968 that netted $500,00 in cash and simular amount in checks. Kelley had intended to be part of the gang that robbed the armored car, but had backed out after two previous attempts failed. He demanded and did receive a cut of the proceeds and eventually was questioned by a grand jury. His confederates believed that he gave them up to the federal prosecutors. Once again, he was represented by Bailey.
After Teresa discovered that other members of the Patriarca crime family had taken a $4 million stash meant for his family, he agreed to become an informant for the FBI. He testified in front of the U.S. Senate in 1971 and was responsible for the indictments of over 50 mobsters. He entered the Federal Witness Protection Program and received a new identity as Charles Cantino.
Kelley testified against Raymond Patriarca in a murder case, after which he went into the Federal Witness Protection Program. Kelley gave testimony linking Patriarca and other family members to the murder of Rudolph "Rudy" Marfeo and Anthony Melei. Kelley had been contracted by Patriarca associate Maurice Lerner to kill Marfeo and Melei, whom Kelley allegedly murdered with a shotgun.
Patriarca and his associates were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder while Lerner also was convicted of murder; the mob boss was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Lerner and the other defendants were subsequently exonerated when it was established that Kelley had perjured himself at the trial, as had FBI Special Agent H. Paul Rico, who had collaborated Kelley's testimony. Kelley died Feb 10 2000 of natural causes in the federal witness protection program.
