The Massachusetts Ghost Town That's Perfect For An Autumn Day Trip

Autumn is a time of changing leaves and crisp, cool weather here in the Bay State. It’s also the perfect time to partake in some of Massachusetts’ more unusual outdoor attractions. This creepy yet scenic ghost town in northeast Massachusetts is an amazing fall day trip destination for anyone who loves a good spooky story and a beautiful walk through the woods.

Wikimedia Commons/Alice Curtis

The weird and wonderful history of Dogtown is one of the most fascinating stories to come out of Massachusetts history. Located on Cape Ann, this abandoned settlement was first founded all the way back in 1693.

In fact, the name of the town is said to come from the high number of dogs kept for protection by the wives of American Revolutionary soldiers while their husbands were away fighting. Eventually, the community was home to as many as 100 families and 80 homes.

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The decline of Dogtown came after the American Revolutionary war, when nearby Gloucester became a thriving sea port and new roads bypassed the little town. By the early 1800s, most residents had moved away. Some of those who remained were actually suspected of practicing witchcraft.

Thomazine "Tammy" Younger was described by locals as "Queen of the Witches" and charged local farmers a fee to pass through the derelict town. The dogs once owned by local families turned feral after their owners died or moved away, and were said to roam the crumbling streets.

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Today, Dogtown is now an area of dense woodland that is criss-crossed by trails. In the western section of the ghost town closest to Gloucester, you can spot the old cellar holes of the original settlers and some crumbling stone foundations. Making your way along the trails through run through this ghost town will also take you to a number of “inspirational” quotes that have been carved into large boulders. These bizarre monuments are the work of Roger Babson, who commissioned unemployed stonecutters to carve messages into the boulders during the Great Depression.

Exploring the ruins of Dogtown is a fun and active way to spend a beautiful autumn day. You can find directions and a map of the area here. For more of the creepiest places in Massachusetts, check out some of our favorite spots.