Padanaram, Massachusetts

The village of Padanaram was one of many settlements that began cropping up within the town of Old Dartmouth after its purchase from the Wampanoag by members of the Plymouth Colony in 1652. During King Philip's War the settlement was burned down and all cattle killed. The only settlers who survived were those who heard a warning and fled either to Russell's Garrison or Cooke's Garrison. Remains of the settlement can still be seen at the foot of Lucy Street. In the mid-18th century it became a shipbuilding center. In September 1778, during the American Revolution, the British attacked nearby New Bedford with a small force attacking Padanaram. The town prospered as a minor whaling port and was home to a large salt works during the 19th century. As these industries died out, "the village" (as it is referred to by locals) became mostly a residential area with several yachting businesses, galleries, eateries, and shops.

The name “Padanaram” came from a prominent early resident named Laban Thatcher, who identified with the Biblical figure Laban who resided in Paddan Aram in Mesopotamia.[2] The village eventually adopted this new name, and dropped its earlier Wampanoag name, “Ponagansett.”[3]

The New Bedford Yacht Club in Padanaram, was founded in New Bedford. NBYC bi-annually hosts the Buzzards Bay Regatta. Its Sailing School for children and adults is open to members and non-members alike. Every Wednesday from June through September is the club's Sunset Racing Series. In 2002, Llewellyn Howland III wrote 'The New Bedford Yacht Club : a history' [4]

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Bristol County, Massachusetts