Serving Weymouth, MA & the South Shore

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Dartmouth Painting Company

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Proline Painting Company: Your Trusted Painting Contractor in Dartmouth, MA

In Dartmouth, MA, when it comes to top-quality painting services, Proline Painting Company stands as a benchmark. Our professional team of skilled painters caters to both residential and commercial clients, delivering results that not only meet but exceed expectations. The Proline Painting Company, based in Dartmouth, MA, is a one-stop solution for all your painting needs, promising you an outcome that’s nothing short of perfect.

 

Do You Have These Problems?

  • Difficulty finding a reliable painting company that delivers on their promise of quality?
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Local Painting Company: Proline Painting Company — Dartmouth, MA

Proline Painting Company is proud to serve Dartmouth, MA as a local painting company with a solid reputation. With over a decade in business, we’ve built a name for ourselves by consistently delivering premium quality painting services. Our team comprises professionals who bring along years of experience, skill, and a deep understanding of how color impacts a space. As a local company, we’re deeply invested in our community and strive to improve it one painting project at a time.

Commercial Painting Services

At Proline Painting Company, we understand the unique requirements that commercial painting projects entail. Our Dartmouth team is trained to deliver fast and efficient services without disrupting your business operations. We handle everything from offices, retail stores, restaurants to large commercial complexes. With our commercial painting services, we guarantee a visually appealing workspace that embodies your brand identity and enhances productivity.

Residential House Painting Services

Home is where the heart is, and at Proline, we take that to heart. Our residential painting services are designed to transform your home into a space that reflects your personality and style. We treat every project with the same level of importance, whether it’s a single room or the entire house. Our professional painters in Dartmouth work diligently to ensure a clean, efficient, and timely completion of the project, resulting in a beautifully painted home that you can be proud of.

Painting Contractor Process

At Proline, we follow a systematic painting process to deliver top-notch results. Our painting process starts with an in-depth consultation where we understand your vision and requirements. We then prepare the area by protecting furniture, fixtures, and flooring, followed by surface preparation, which includes washing, scraping, sanding, and priming as needed. The final step is the application of the chosen paint in a meticulous manner. Our transparent process ensures you’re aware of each step we undertake to bring your vision to life.

Dartmouth’s Most Affordable Painters Rates

Our commitment to our clients extends to our pricing as well. At Proline, we believe in providing exceptional service at fair prices. Our painting company rates are competitive and transparent, with no hidden costs. We provide detailed estimates upfront, allowing you to understand exactly what you’re paying for. Our goal is to offer top-tier painting services that deliver excellent value for your investment.

5 Star Rated Painting Company Reviews

We take immense pride in the positive reviews we’ve received from our satisfied clients. Their words not only inspire us but also serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our painting company reviews reflect our high standard of service, our professional approach, and our attention to detail. We encourage prospective clients to read these reviews to understand why Proline is a top-rated painting company in Dartmouth, MA.

Searching For a Painting Company Near You

If you’re searching for a reliable, professional, and affordable painting company near you, look no further than Proline Painting Company. Based in Dartmouth, MA, we offer comprehensive painting services to meet a variety of needs. We’re just a call away from transforming your space with high-quality, long-lasting paint jobs.

Painting Company Jobs In Dartmouth, MA

At Proline, we believe that our strength lies in our team. We’re always on the lookout for dedicated individuals to join us in delivering outstanding painting services. If you’re looking for rewarding painting company jobs, we encourage you to explore the opportunities at Proline. We offer a supportive work environment, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.

Eco-friendly Painting Company

As an eco-friendly painting company in Dartmouth, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact. We use low-VOC or VOC-free paints whenever possible and adhere to practices that reduce waste. Our goal is to deliver beautiful paint jobs while respecting the planet and contributing to a healthier environment.

Beloved House Painters in Dartmouth, MA

5-Rated On Google For Painting Contractors

Your home is not just a house and a structure with walls, ceilings, doors, rooms and windows but it serves as an expression of yourself, your character, and your personality. Our painting contractors have carefully picked local house painters who are ready to start a painting project with you! These expert painters will make sure that any painted room is a pleasant experience. At Proline Painting Service, we know that you will not settle for less, and that is why we have to ask you to consider one of the most respected painting contractor in Dartmouth, MA.

 

Painting Company FAQs

How much does your painting service cost?

Every painting project is unique, and the cost can vary based on the size of the area, the complexity of the work, and the type of paint used. We provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate after assessing the project.

Do you offer commercial and residential painting services?

Yes, we provide both commercial and residential painting services. Our team has the expertise to handle projects of all sizes and complexities.

How long does a painting job usually take?

The duration of a painting job depends on several factors, including the size and condition of the area to be painted and the type of paint used. Once we assess your project, we can provide a more accurate timeline.

Can you provide references or examples of previous work?

Absolutely! We are more than happy to share references and examples of our work. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we are proud of the work we do.

What type of paint do you use?

We use only high-quality paints from reputable manufacturers. The specific type and brand of paint will depend on the project requirements and your preference.

Are your painters insured and licensed?

Yes, all our painters are fully insured and licensed. We believe in maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism in all our projects.

How do you prepare the area for painting?

We follow a thorough preparation process that includes covering furniture and fixtures, cleaning the surfaces, and doing any necessary repair work. Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best results.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Yes, we stand behind our work and offer a satisfaction guarantee. If there is any issue with the work done, we are committed to making it right.

Can you help with color selection?

Absolutely! We offer color consultation services to help you choose the perfect color palette that matches your taste and complements your space.

Are you an eco-friendly painting company?

Yes, we are committed to eco-friendly practices. We use environmentally-friendly paints and ensure our processes minimize waste and impact on the environment.

How do I choose a painting company?

Choosing a painting company involves considering factors such as experience, reputation, the range of services offered, pricing, and their approach towards customer service. It is also advisable to check reviews and ask for references.

How much do painting companies usually charge?

The cost of painting services varies depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Most companies provide a detailed estimate after assessing the project, allowing you to understand the costs involved.

What questions should I ask a painting company?

You should ask about their experience, licensing and insurance, the type of paints they use, their preparation and cleanup process, and if they offer a warranty or guarantee on their work.

Are there eco-friendly painting companies?

Yes, many painting companies, like Proline Painting Company, are committed to eco-friendly practices. They use environmentally-friendly paints and adopt procedures that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

What services do painting companies offer?

Painting companies offer a range of services including interior and exterior painting, commercial and residential painting, color consultation, surface preparation, and more.

How long do painting jobs take?

The duration of painting jobs depends on various factors such as the size of the project, the condition of the surfaces, and the type of paint used. A detailed estimate from the company should provide an approximate timeline.

How do painting companies prepare the area?

Painting companies prepare the area by cleaning and repairing the surfaces, protecting furniture and fixtures, and setting up equipment. A thorough preparation ensures a smooth painting process and superior results.

What type of paint is best for my project?

The best type of paint for your project depends on the surface to be painted, the desired finish, and the environment. A consultation with the painting company can help determine the best options for your specific needs.

Do painting companies provide color consultation?

Many painting companies provide color consultation services to help clients choose the perfect color scheme for their space. They consider factors like lighting, décor, and personal preferences to provide suitable recommendations.

Are all painting companies insured and licensed?

Reputable painting companies are insured and licensed to protect their clients and employees. It’s important to verify this information before hiring a painting company.

Dartmouth, MA Facts

Dartmouth OVERVIEW

Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Apponeganset
Town
Dartmouth Town Hall
Dartmouth Town Hall
Official seal of Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Motto(s): 
Utile Dulci (Latin)
“Service Through Kindness and Peaceful Means”
Location in Bristol County in Massachusetts
Location in Bristol County in Massachusetts
Coordinates: 41°36′52″N 70°58′11″W / 41.61444°N 70.96972°W / 41.61444; -70.96972
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyBristol
Settled1652; 371 years ago (1652)
Incorporated1664; 359 years ago (1664)
Government
 • TypeRepresentative town meeting
Area
 • Total97.5 sq mi (252.6 km)
 • Land60.9 sq mi (157.8 km2)
 • Water36.6 sq mi (94.8 km)
Elevation
125 ft (38 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total33,783
 • Density350/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes
02747, 02748, 02714
Area codes508/774
FIPS code25-16425
GNIS ID0618279
Websitewww.town.dartmouth.ma.us

Dartmouth (Massachusett: Apponeganset) is a coastal town in Bristol County, Massachusetts. Old Dartmouth was the first area of Southeastern Massachusetts to be settled by Europeans, primarily English. Dartmouth is part of New England’s farm coast, which consists of a chain of historic coastal villages, vineyards, and farms. June 8, 2014 marked the 350th year of Dartmouth’s incorporation as a town. It is also part of the Massachusetts South Coast. The local weekly newspapers are The Dartmouth/Westport Chronicle and Dartmouth Week. The Portuguese municipality of Lagoa is twinned with the town; along with several other Massachusetts and Rhode Island towns and cities around Bristol County.

The northern part of Dartmouth has the town’s large commercial districts. The southern part of town abuts Buzzards Bay, and there are several other waterways, including Lake Noquochoke, Cornell Pond, Slocums River, Shingle Island River and Paskamansett River. The town has several working farms and one vineyard, which is part of the Coastal Wine Tour. With a thriving agricultural heritage, the town and state have protected many of the working farms.

The southern part of Dartmouth borders Buzzards Bay, where a lively fishing and boating community thrives; off its coast, the Elizabeth Islands and Cuttyhunk can be seen. The New Bedford Yacht Club in Padanaram hosts a bi-annual regatta. The town’s unique historic villages and selection of coastal real estate have made it a destination for generations as a summering community. Notable affluent sections within South Dartmouth are Nonquitt, Round Hill, Barney’s Joy, and Mishaum Point. It also has many year-round residents and a variety of activities throughout the year. As of the 2020 census, the year-round population of Dartmouth was 33,783.

Dartmouth is the third-largest town (by land area) in Massachusetts, after Plymouth and Middleborough. The distance from Dartmouth’s northernmost border with Freetown to Buzzards Bay in the south is approximately 16 miles (26 km). The villages of Hixville, Bliss Corner, Padanaram, Smith Mills, and Russells Mills are located within the town. Dartmouth shares borders with Westport to the west, Freetown and Fall River to the north, Buzzards Bay to the south, and New Bedford to the east. Boat shuttles provide regular transportation daily to Martha’s Vineyard and Cuttyhunk Island.

The origin of the name is considered to be named after Dartmouth, England. This could have been because Bartholomew Gosnold, the first European to explore the land, sailed to America on a ship from Dartmouth in England. It could have been also named Dartmouth to commemorate when the Pilgrims stopped in Dartmouth for ship repairs.

History

Early colonial history

Before the 17th century, the lands that now constitute Dartmouth had been inhabited by the Wampanoag Native Americans, who were part of the Algonquian language family and had settlements throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Their population is believed to have been about 12,000.

The Wampanoag inhabited the area for up to a thousand years before European colonization, and their ancestors had been there longer. In John Winthrop’s (1587–1649) journal, he wrote the name of Dartmouth’s indigenous tribes as being the Nukkehkammes. The English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold in the ship Concord landed on Cuttyhunk Island on May 15, 1602 and explored the area before leaving and eventually settling in the Jamestown Colony of Virginia. Gosnolds explorations of the area took him to Round Hill, which he named Hap’s Hill. Additionally he described the territories of Dartmouth as being covered in fields with flowers, beech and cedar groves. He picked wild strawberries, and noticed deer. He also saw the Apponagansett River which runs through Padanaram Harbor, and the Acushnet River.

Settled sparsely by the natives, with the arrival of the pilgrims in Plymouth, the region gradually began to become of interest to the colonists, until a meeting was held to officially purchase the land.

Old Dartmouth

On March 7th 1652, English colonists met with the native tribe and purchased Old Dartmouth—a region of 115,000 acres (470 km) that now contains the modern cities and towns of Dartmouth, Acushnet, New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Westport—in a treaty between the Wampanoag—represented by Chief Ousamequin (Massasoit) and his son Wamsutta—and high-ranking “Purchasers” and “Old Comers” from Plymouth Colony: John Winslow, William Bradford, Myles Standish, Thomas Southworth, and John Cooke. John Cooke had come to America as a passenger on the Mayflower, a Baptist Minister, he was forced to leave Plymouth due to religious views that differed from the rest of the Plymouth Colony. He would settle in Old Dartmouth.

According to the deed, in one year, all Natives previously living on the land would have to leave. This led to a lengthy land dispute as the deed did not define boundary lines, and merely referred to the ceded land as, “that land called Dartmouth” and the younger son of Massasoit, Metacomet, began to question the boundary lines of the purchase. Metacomet stated that he had not been consulted about the sale, and he had not given his written permission. The situation culminated with new boundaries drawn up by referees. Chief Massasoit gave his final permission to the changes in 1665.

About 6 months after the official purchase, Dartmouth began to be settled by English immigrants around November of 1652, and it was officially incorporated in 1664. While the Europeans considered themselves full owners of the land through the transaction, the Wampanoag disputed this claim because the concept of land ownership—in contrast with hunting, fishing, and farming rights—was a foreign concept to them.

The town was purchased by 34 people from the Plymouth Colony, but most of the purchasers never lived in Dartmouth. Only ten families came to reside in Dartmouth. Those ten families were the Cooks, Delanos, Francis’, Hicks’, Howlands, Jennys, Kemptons, Mortons, Samsons, and Soules.

Quakers

Members of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, were among the early European settlers on the South Coast. They had faced persecution in the Puritan communities of Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony; the latter banned the Quakers in 1656–1657. When the Massachusetts Bay Colony annexed the Plymouth Colony in 1691, Quakers already represented a majority of the population of Old Dartmouth. In 1699, with the support of Peleg Slocum, the Quakers built their first meeting house in Old Dartmouth, where the Apponegansett Meeting House is now located.

At first, the Old Dartmouth territory was devoid of major town centers, and instead had isolated farms and small, decentralized villages, such as Russells’ Mills. One reason for this is that the inhabitants enjoyed their independence from the Plymouth Colony and they did not want to have a large enough population for the Plymouth court to appoint them a minister. There are still Quaker meeting houses in Dartmouth, including the Smith Neck Meeting House, the Allens Neck Meeting House, and the Apponegansett Meeting House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

King Philip’s War

The rising European population and increasing demand for land led the colonists’ relationship with the indigenous inhabitants of New England to deteriorate. European encroachment and disregard for the terms of the Old Dartmouth Purchase led to King Philip’s War in 1675. In this conflict, Wampanoag tribesmen, allied with the Narragansett and the Nipmuc, raided Old Dartmouth and other European settlements in the area. Europeans in Old Dartmouth garrisoned in sturdier homes—John Russell’s garrison in Padanaram, John Cooke’s home in Fairhaven, and a third garrison on Palmer Island.

Revolutionary war

One of the minutemen signalled by Paul Revere spread the alarm of the approaching British forces into Dartmouth, after moving through Acushnet, Fairhaven, and Bedford Village. Three companies of Dartmouth Minutemen were marched out of the town on April 21, 1775 by Captain Thomas Kempton to a military camp in Roxbury, joining 20,000 other soldiers. Prior to the war Kempton had been a whaler in New Bedford. The additional two Dartmouth companies were led by Captain’s Dillingham and Egery. The last Dartmouth town meeting called in the name of George III occurred in February of 1776. Also in 1776, and again in 1779, Dartmouth voters where called upon to sit on the Committee of Correspondence, Safety and Inspection, with the job of looking for individuals performing treasonous acts – and to report them to the War Council. Dartmouth had two companies of soldiers in the 18th Regiment of the Bunker Hill Army. No Dartmouth troops were ever again ordered north following March 17, 1776.

In 1778 the village of Padanaram was raided by British troops as part of Grey’s raid. The village was then known as Akin’s Landing, and following Elihu Akin driving Tories out of the village in September 1778, the British attacked and burned down most of the village, focusing on Akin’s properties. The British soldiers targeted Akin specifically because he had expelled them from Dartmouth to begin with. They forced Akin to move to his only remaining property, a small home on Potters Hill – the Elihu Akin house. Elihu never financially recovered from the attack and died poor, he lived at the house until he died in 1794. Fixing the damage to the town from the raid cost £105,960 in 1778. Which is roughly equivalent to nine million dollars in todays money. In honor of Elihu, and to commemorate his earlier shipbuilding, the village of Padanaram was called Akin’s Wharf for 20 years after the war.

In 1793 Davolls General Store was established in the Russells Mills area.

Civil war

Prewar years

In the years before the Civil War, in the early 1840’s, Dartmouth launched a whaling vessel owned by Sanford and Sherman, had a bowling Alley burn down, as well as hosting an Abstinence rally with some shops refusing to sell Rum and cider. In 1855, the town was home to one cotton mill, three salt works, one factory that made railroad cars, sleighs, wagons, and coaches, two tanneries, seven shoemakers, and five shingle mills, as well as launching one ship. The town had an abundance of livestock, including over a thousand sheep and cows. 850 swine. 428 oxen. As well as 4102 acres of English hay, and 712 acres of Indian corn.

1861

The first town meeting in Dartmouth related to the Civil War was held on May 16, 1861, and contained a preamble about the towns stance on the war.

At the onset of the Civil War, the first troops to be sent to Washington, D.C. in Massachusetts were called by telegram on April 15, 1861 by Senator Henry Wilson. The Dartmouth men enlisted in the first call to arms were enlisted in the 18th, 33rd, 38th, and 40th regiments.

1862

According to the New Bedford Republican Standard, on September 4th 1862 Dartmouth fulfilled its part in the quota sent from Washington, D.C. Which called for 20 companies, 3 full regiments, and four regiments of militia to be brought from Massachusetts. The fighting force was meant to be made up of the strongest companies in the state. Dartmouth had eight men in the 18th Regiment, twelve men in the 38th Regiment, and one in both the 33rd and 40th.

In 1862, the town of Dartmouth voted to pay volunteers for the war. William Francis Bartlett stopped in Dartmouth after being wounded at the Siege of Yorktown. Several Dartmouth soldiers were at the Second Battle of Bull Run. George Lawton, Leander Collins, Robert H. Dunham, Frederick Smith, Joseph Head, Abraham R. Cowen, and John Smith were all present at the battle. They served in the 8th Battery MVM, the 16th, and 18th Regiment MVI, and the light artillery. In the New Bedford Republican Standards August 18th 182 issue it was reported that a Dartmouth town meeting voted to pay a 200 dollar bounty to 9 month volunteers. In the month following the Battle of Antietam many Dartmouth men joined the 3rd regiment of infantry in the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. They completed training at Camp Joe Hooker in Lakeville, Massachusetts before leaving for Boston on October 22nd, 1862. They then embarked on the Merrimac and Mississippi for New Bern, North Carolina. Dartmouth then proceeded to fulfil its second quota, sending 20 men to Company F, and 3 to company G. At the Battle of Fredericksburg Private Joseph Head, a machinist, Frederick Smith, a seaman, and Frederick H. Russell – all from Dartmouth – were injured. Isaac S. Barker, a carpenter, was killed.

1863

On march 3, 1863 the town voted to raise 5,000 dollars for monthly payments of aid for families of volunteers. Acting Master James Taylor of the ironclad warship USS Keokuk arrived at his Dartmouth home on April 21, 1863. He looked “as if he had suffered anything but defeat,” after the Keokuk attacked Fort Sumter and was riddeled with bullet holes. Dartmouth soldiers also fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. Three soldiers served in the 1st Regiment MVI, 1 in the 16th, and 33rd, and 6 in the 18th.

David Lewis Gifford was a Union Army soldier from Dartmouth, who received the Medal of Honor. He enlisted in December 1863, at age 19 – as a member of the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry Regiment. Following the steamer the USS Boston running aground on an Oyster bed, leaving 400 individuals within range of Confederate artillery. Gifford and four other men – led by George W. Brush – manned a small boat and ferried stranded soldiers to a safe area.

1864

In April 1864 the people of Dartmouth voted to raise money to fill the quota of men for the service. At the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House Bradford Little from Dartmouth was wounded, and Edwin C. Tripp from Dartmouth died at the Battle of Cold Harbor. Three Dartmouth men were wounded at the Siege of Petersburg. Thos. C Lapham wrote to his uncle on chase road in Dartmouth from General Hospital Number One in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on January 20th 1864. He described the cold weather in what he called ”Old” Dartmouth, as well as writing about his maladies while serving in the south, and morale among the troops, before sending his regards to his family in Dartmouth. Nahum Nickelson was another resident of Dartmouth who served in the Civil war. He enlisted in the 35th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a drummer in March 1864. He trained for five weeks in Boston Harbor before taking a transport ship to Alexandria, Virginia where he joined the Battle of the Wilderness and the battles in Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. He was mustered out in July 1865. Once returning to Dartmouth he built a home and would eventually be rewarded the Boston Cane, which was awarded to the oldest living resident in Dartmouth, and would be buried in the Padanaram cemetery, where he used to be a caretaker. Private Humphrey R. Davis (a seaman from Dartmouth) died in May 1864 as a prisoner of war in Andersonville Prison. During the 1864 United States presidential election 384 people in Dartmouth voted to reelect Abraham Lincoln.

Modern history

The Watuppa Branch railroad started to serve Dartmouth in 1875.

During the late 19th century its coastline became a summer resort area for wealthy members of New England society.

Lincoln Park was established in 1894 by the Union Street Railway Co. of New Bedford, and became an amusement park in the mid-20th century with rides such as the wooden roller coaster The Comet.

Round Hill was the site of early-to-mid 20th century research into the uses of radio and microwaves for aviation and communication by MIT scientists, including physicist Robert J. Van de Graaff. There in 1933 he built the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator (now located at the Museum of Science (Boston)). It is also the site of the Green Mansion, the estate of “Colonel” Edward Howland Robinson Green, a colorful character who was son of the even more colorful and wildly eccentric Hetty Green.

In 1936, the Colonel died. The estate fell into disrepair as litigation over his vast fortune continued for eight years between his widow and his sister. Finally, the court ruled that Mrs. Hetty Sylvia Wilks, the Colonel’s sister, was the sole beneficiary. In 1948, she bequeathed the entire estate to MIT, which used it for microwave and laser experiments. The giant antenna, which was a landmark to sailors on Buzzards Bay, was erected on top of a 50,000-gallon water tank. Although efforts were made to preserve the structure, it deteriorated and was demolished on November 19, 2007.

Another antenna was erected next to the mansion and used in the development of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. MIT continued to use Round Hill through 1964. It was sold to the Society of Jesus of New England and was used as a retreat house. The upper floors were divided into 64 individual rooms. The main floor was fitted with a chapel, a library, and meeting rooms.

In 1970 the Jesuits sold the land and buildings to Gratia R. Montgomery. In 1981, Mrs. Montgomery sold most of the land to a group of developers who have worked to preserve the history, grandeur and natural environment. The property is now a gated, mostly summer residential community on the water featuring a nine-hole golf course.

In 1980 Sunrise Bakery and Coffee Shop opened its first store in Dartmouth.

The town appeared in national news in 2013 when Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, then a university student at Dartmouth, participated in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 97.5 square miles (252.6 km). 60.9 square miles (157.8 km2) of it is land and 94.8 square kilometres (36.6 sq mi) of it, 37.53%, is water. It is the third largest town by area in Massachusetts.

The town is accessible by Interstate 195 and U.S. Route 6, which run parallel to each other through the northern-main business part of town from New Bedford to Westport on an east-west axis within a mile or two apart from one another.

Dartmouth includes the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve that extends from Fall River into many protected forests of North Dartmouth in the Collins Corner, Faunce Corner, and Hixville sections of town. The Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve extends its protected forest lands into the Freetown-Fall River State Forest and beyond.

Many rivers that flow north-south in Dartmouth, such as the Copicut River, Shingle Island River, Paskamanset River, Slocums River, Destruction Brook, and Little River. Dartmouth is divided into two primary sections: North Dartmouth (USPS ZIP code 02747) and South Dartmouth (USPS ZIP code 02748).

The town is bordered by Westport to the west, New Bedford to the east, Fall River and Freetown to the north, and Buzzards Bay/the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The highest point in the town is near its northwest corner, where the elevation rises to over 256 feet (78 m) above sea level north of Old Fall River Road.

Ecology and natural resource management

The Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies, located in South Dartmouth, is a non-profit organization that provides educational programs on aquatic environments in southeastern New England. It is across the mouth of the Slocums River from Demarest Lloyd State Park, a popular state beach known for its shallow waters.

The Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust (DNRT) in Dartmouth, is a non-profit land trust incorporated in 1971 working to preserve and protect Dartmouth’s natural resources. The trust has protected 5,400 acres of land since 1971 and owns 1,800 acres in Dartmouth as of 2020, including 35 miles of hiking trails, and ocean and river walks. The DNRT is accredited through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. The Trust organizes such activities as photography tours, summer outdoor yoga series, bird watching, and plant identification. Its summer evening Barn Bash and winter fundraising auction are held annually. Since 1999, nearly 20 Boy Scouts from four troops have completed Eagle Scout projects through the DNRT. The Trust’s headquarters building is located on the former Helfand Farm.

Transportation

Highway

Massachusetts Route 140 and Massachusetts Route 24 are located just outside Dartmouth’s borders in New Bedford and Fall River, respectively, and both provide access to Boston and points north of the area. Massachusetts Route 177 begins just over Dartmouth’s border with Westport, running west into Rhode Island and providing a link between the Newport-area (Tiverton, Little Compton, and Aquidneck Island) with the Fall River/New Bedford area. Interstate 195 and US Route 6 pass directly through Dartmouth, and also offer connections to the aforementioned three Massachusetts routes; the former provides access to Route 140, while the latter can be used to access Route 24 and Route 177.

Both Tiverton, RI and Little Compton, RI are geographically part of Massachusetts, lacking direct interstate highway connections with the rest of Rhode Island. Instead, smaller routes connect to the area (RI 138, MA/RI 24, RI 177/MA 177, and MA 81, and MA 88). Route 24 lies an average of 15 to 20 miles away in Tiverton, RI and Little Compton, RI, Massachusetts Route 177 and Massachusetts Route 140 and Massachusetts Route 24 are based upon old Indian routes and trails.

Bus

Public transportation in Dartmouth is primarily provided by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, which provides direct bus services between several points in Dartmouth and to the adjacent cities of New Bedford and Fall River. Transfers at either terminus offer connections to T.F. Green Airport via Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway and various locales in Rhode Island via Peter Pan Bus; the latter company also offers connections from New Bedford to Cape Cod and Boston. Direct daily bus service from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to Taunton and Boston was formerly offered via DATTCO buses; this service was cut back to only one express round-trip every Friday in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Water

Despite its border along Buzzard’s Bay, Dartmouth does not have any major water-based transport. However, the adjacent cities of Fall River and New Bedford offer several indirect ferry connections, with routes to Newport and Block Island from the former and Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk from the latter.

Rail

While Dartmouth and neighboring communities currently do not have any rail connections, construction of MBTA commuter rail stations is currently underway in Fall River and New Bedford as part of the South Coast Rail project. Upon completion, these will offer railway connections to cities including Taunton, Brockton, Braintree, and Boston.

A short segment of the railway, officially known as the North Dartmouth Industrial Railroad and informally referred to as the Watuppa branch, passes through northern Dartmouth after diverging from the New Bedford Secondary and eventually terminating in the nearby town of Westport. The primary operator of freight rail in Dartmouth is Bay Colony Railroad, which operates along the Watuppa branch and interchanges with Massachusetts Coastal Railroad in New Bedford.

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
18503,868—    
18603,883+0.4%
18703,367−13.3%
18803,430+1.9%
18903,122−9.0%
19003,669+17.5%
19104,378+19.3%
19206,493+48.3%
19308,778+35.2%
19409,011+2.7%
195011,115+23.3%
196014,607+31.4%
197018,800+28.7%
198023,966+27.5%
199027,244+13.7%
200030,666+12.6%
201034,032+11.0%
202033,783−0.7%

Source: United States census records and Population Estimates Program data.

Government

Local government

Dartmouth is located in the Ninth Bristol state representative district, which includes all of Dartmouth as well as parts of Freetown, Lakeville, and New Bedford. The current state representative is Christopher Markey. The town is represented by Mark Montigny in the state senate in the Second Bristol and Plymouth district, which includes the city of New Bedford and the towns of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and Mattapoisett. Dartmouth is the home of the Third Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police, which relocated in 2006 from Route 6 to just north of the retail center of town on Faunce Corner Road. On the national level, the town is part of Massachusetts Congressional District 9, which is represented by William R. Keating. The state’s junior (Class I) Senator is Ed Markey and the state’s senior (Class II) Senator, is Elizabeth Warren.

Dartmouth is governed by a representative town meeting form of government, led by the Select Board. The Town Hall is located in the former Poole School, which also served as Dartmouth High School for several years. The town is patrolled by a central police department, located near Smith Mills on the site of the former Job S. Gidley School. There are five fire stations in the town divided among three fire districts, all of which are paid-call departments. There are two post offices (North Dartmouth, under the 02747 zip code, and South Dartmouth, under the 02748 zip code).

Voter registration and party enrollment as of February 12, 2020
Party Number of voters Percentage
Unenrolled 13,113 57.4%
Democrat 6,950 30.4%
Republican 2,433 10.6%
Green 20 0.00088%
Libertarian 93 0.004%
Total 22,849 100%

County Government

The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office maintains its administrative headquarters and operates several jail facilities in the Dartmouth Complex in North Dartmouth in Dartmouth. Jail facilities in the Dartmouth Complex include the Bristol County House Of Correction and Jail, the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Center, and the C. Carlos Carreiro Immigration Detention Center.

Libraries

Dartmouth established public library services in 1895. Today there are two libraries, the Southworth (Main) Library in South Dartmouth, and the Dartmouth Public Library – North Branch. The Southworth Library is part of the Sails Library Network, and shares a name with an older library. The older library, also called Southworth, was founded in 1878, by the pastor of the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth. The location of the Old Southworth library was purchased in 1888, and dedicated in 1890, due to funds from John Haywood Southworth – who furnished the library with 2,500 books in memory of his father. At the time the library required the purchase of a 50 cent library card to borrow books. The library was acquired by the town of Dartmouth in 1927. The building lacked space to contain books by 1958, and in April 1967 it was voted upon to build a new library with $515,000 on Dartmouth Street. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Dartmouth spent 1.5% ($865,864) of its budget on its public libraries—approximately $25 per person. Additionally, the Dartmouth Free Public library existed in Russells Mills, moving to various locations throughout the area – catering mostly to children at the local schools there.

Education

Dartmouth is governed by a single school department whose headquarters are in the former Bush Street School in Padanaram. The school department has been experiencing many changes in the past decade, with the opening of a new high school, and the moving of the former Middle School to the High School. The town currently has four elementary schools, Joseph P. DeMello, George H. Potter, James M. Quinn, and Andrew B. Cushman. The town has one middle school (located in the 1955-vintage High School building) next to the Town Hall, and one high school, the new Dartmouth High School, which opened in 2002 in the southern part of town. Its colors are Dartmouth green and white, and its fight song is “Glory to Dartmouth;” unlike the college, however, the school still uses the “Indians” nickname, with a stylized brave’s head in profile as the logo which represents the Eastern Woodland Natives that first inhabited the area.

In addition to DHS, students may also attend Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School or Bristol County Agricultural High School. The town is also home to private schools including Bishop Stang, and Friends Academy.

Since the 1960s, Dartmouth has been home to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus, located on Old Westport Road, just southwest of the Smith Mills section of town. The campus was the result of the unification of the Bradford Durfee College of Technology in Fall River and the New Bedford Institute of Textiles and Technology in New Bedford in 1962 to form the Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute. The campus itself was begun in 1964 and its unique Brutalist design was created by Paul Rudolph, then the head of Yale’s School of Architecture. From 1969 until its inclusion into the University of Massachusetts system in 1991, the school was known as Southeastern Massachusetts University, reflecting the school’s expansion into liberal arts. The campus has expanded over the years to its current size, with several sub-centers located in Fall River and New Bedford.

Culture

Notable artists associated with Dartmouth include Beatrice Chanler, Dwight William Tryon, Ernest Ludvig Ipsen, and Pete Souza.

Dartmouth Community Band

The Dartmouth Community Band was established in 1974. The band plays regular summer concerts in Apponagansett Park as a part of the Dartmouth Parks and Rec. Summer Concert Series.

Notable people

  • Frederic Vaughan Abbot (1858–1928), U.S. Army brigadier general (summer resident)
  • Naseer Aruri (1934–2015), internationally recognized scholar-activist and expert on Middle East politics, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and human rights
  • Ezekiel Cornell (1732–1800), member of Continental Congress 1780–1782
  • Henry H. Crapo (1804-1869), 14th Governor of Michigan
  • William W. Crapo (1830-1926, U.S. House Representative representing Massachusetts’ 1st District
  • David Lewis Gifford (1844–1904), U.S Medal of Honor recipient, regarding his service during the American Civil War
  • Arthur Golden (born 1956), author, Memoirs of a Geisha (summer resident)
  • Edward Howland Robinson Green (1868–1936), a businessman
  • Edith Ellen Greenwood (born 1920), the first female recipient of the Soldier’s Medal
  • Huda Kattan (born 1983), CEO of Huda Beauty
  • Téa Leoni (born 1966), film and television actress (summer resident)
  • Arthur Lynch (born 1990), former football tight end for the Miami Dolphins
  • Lewis Lee Millett Sr., recipient of Congressional Medal of Honor (Korean War)
  • Brian Rose (born in 1976), a former Major League Baseball player
  • Philip Sheridan (1831–1888), Union general in the American Civil War who died at his summer home in Nonquitt
  • Peleg Slocum (1654-1733), Quaker and proprietor of Dartmouth
  • Pete Souza (born 1954), former Chief Official White House Photographer (2009–2017), grew up in Dartmouth
  • Jordan Todman (born 1990), football running back for the Houston Texans
  • Bernard Trafford (1871–1942), football player for Harvard University and chairman of First National Bank of Boston
  • Benjamin Tucker (1854–1939), individualist, anarchist and egoist; English translator of the works of Max Stirner
  • Donald Eugene Webb (1931–1999), longest fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted List and prime suspect in the murder of a Pennsylvania Police Chief who made headlines in 2017 when his remains were discovered buried in his wife’s backyard
  • Karen Polito (born 1966) Lt. Governor of Massachusetts (summer resident)

See also

  • Dartmouth, England
  • Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

In popular culture

  • The Terror Factor, a 2007 horror comedy film, is set in Dartmouth.

References

Further reading

  • Resident and business directory of Dartmouth, Westport and Acushnet Massachusetts, 1905, Hopkinton, Mass: A.E. Foss, 1905, OCLC 48412957, OL 14038546M
  • Glennon, Beverly Morrison (2001). Dartmouth : the early history of a Massachusetts coastal town. Dartmouth, Mass.: B.M. Glennon. ISBN 0-9714591-0-X. OCLC 50841507.

External links

  • Town of Dartmouth official website

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