The Founding Families

The Architects of Kingston

Kingston, Massachusetts, incorporated in 1726, emerged from the "lands about Jones River," a northern section of Plymouth. Its establishment was the culmination of a decade-long effort by its resident families to achieve local autonomy for civic and religious affairs.

The founding of this new community was anchored by families with deep roots in Plymouth Colony, including many with direct lineage to passengers of the Mayflower. Descendants of Mayflower passengers, including members of the Bradford, Allerton, Cushman, and Howland families, received land grants and settled along the Jones River.