Mattakeesett House

circa 1799

Originally known as the Joshua Winsor House & Store, Mattakeesett House sits at the heart of Duxbury’s early village development. The store supported local commerce as Washington Street emerged; by 1825, the house and store were joined.

Date | c. 1799 (store; dwelling likely similar era)
Function | Early mercantile hub tied to road development and harbor activity
Context | Land connected to the expansive Sprague holdings (early 18th c.)
Location | 489 Washington Street, Duxbury
Download Duxbury Rural & Historical Society Dateboard (PDF)

History & Significance

Joshua Winsor, Merchant

Advocate for Washington Street; obtained a retailer’s license in 1798; commerce thrived alongside fishing/shipbuilding.

House + Store

Deeds show the store remained under Joshua while the attached dwelling transferred to his son Thomas Winsor in 1825, with explicit access rights to the store.

Village Fabric

The property reflects family and commercial networks that shaped the village during the Federal period.

Preservation Priorities

Structural stabilization and envelope work; interpretive exhibits on early commerce, family networks, and maritime economy.