History

Westport, so named because it was the westernmost port in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was first settled in 1670 as a part of the town of Dartmouth by members of the Sisson family. The river, and the land around it, was called "Coaksett" in the original deed; the name, now spelled "Acoaxet," lies in the southwest along the western branch of the Westport River. Westport was one of many towns affected by King Philip’s War (1675 -1678), the conflict between Wampanoag tribes and English settlers. Several small mills were built along the Westport River, and in 1787, the town, along with the town of New Bedford, was separated from Dartmouth. Read More