Planters Map

The Great field which was located between the Coy Brook and the indian village, was for the use of the planters. Crops of corn, rye, peas, beans, turnips, flax, barley, and tobacco. Each farmer had their own garden plots near their house. It was convenient for the women and children of the household. Hay and oats were grown in the meadows for the cattle and horses.

To reach the grist mill, planters travelled the road running north of the great field to the Old Bay Path and then northerly till reaching Mill Brook. The mill was located directly off the path and the mill house was a short distance from the mill.

The common lands were shared by the townspeople and were regulated by the town government. Each farmer was allowed to pasture a given number of cattle, sheep and other animals, depending again on his rateable estate. Sheep had to be carefully watched by their herdsmen. Firewood and timber cutting on the commons were strictly controlled by the town leaders. Wasteage was not tolerated and was a punishable offense.