Dogtown and the Babson Boulders: Explore a Surreal Ghost Town in Massachusetts

In the late 1600s, a small group of settlers who had been living a tumultuous life on the coast of Massachusetts migrated inland in order to cultivate a peaceful existence that was not constantly turned upside down by pirates and marauders.

What is now known as Gloucester, Massachusetts was once referred to as Dogtown—thanks to the fierce dogs that protected the mostly female population in a village where the bulk of residents were widows of Revolutionary War soldiers or the bereaved wives of deceased sailors who perished at sea.

In the wake of the War of 1812, the population of Dogtown declined to the point that the few remaining residents were considered eccentric practitioners of witchcraft. Dogtown languished and was reclaimed by the elements, until an exuberant investor named Roger Babson took an interest in the rocky, forested terrain. In the 1930s, Babson decided to commission out of work quarrymen to carve inspirational slogans on Gloucester’s boulders.

In the 21st century, visitors can view the Babson Boulders via the Babson Boulder Trail—which is located where Dogtown once stood. Giant rocks with slogans such as “If work stops, values decays,” “Help mother,” and “Get a job” are clustered together in a dense forest. In lieu of a single well-defined trail, several footpaths lead through a wild grove of trees that are the stuff fairytales and legends are made of.

The Babson Boulder Trail offers a clear view of the Babson Reservoir. The Babson Reservoir was gifted to the city of Gloucester by the Babson family to provide the area with a fresh and independent source of water. Roger Babson cared deeply about the town of Gloucester because he had family roots that he could trace all the way back to Dogtown. Babson used his wealth and clout to ensure that Dogtown and the Babson Boulders would live on as a public park.

If you’re searching for a slightly surreal, moody New England road trip destination—a visit to visit to Dogtown and the Babson Boulder Trail is an absolute must. Entry is free and the trail is open year-round. And, yes—dogs are welcome.

Despite the slightly kooky yet inspiring slogans etched in stone, the Babson Boulder Trail still maintains some of the mystique of its Dogtown days. A trip to Dogtown may inspire you to settle in the woods with only a loyal pack of dogs to keep you company.

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