Stage Fort (Tablet) Rock

Overlooking one of the basefall fields in Stage Fort Park is a large bronze plauque on a huge grantite cliff that reads: "On this site in 1623, a company of fishermen and farmers from Dorchester, England, under the direction of Rev. John White, founded THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. From that time the fisheries, the oldest industry in the commonwealth, have been uninterruptedly pursed from this port. Here in 1625, Gov. Roger Conant, by wise diplomacy, averted bloodshed between contending fractions, one led by Myles Standish of Plymouth, the other by Capt Hewes, a notable exemplification of arbitration in the beginnings of New England. Placed by citizens of Gloucester, 1907." This plaque speaks to the rich history of the area and believe it or not, you can sometimes see rock climbers ascending the rock faces next to the historic plaque!