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Carver is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 11,163 at the 2000 census. History
Carver is a small town in Southeastern Massachusetts. Named for John Carver, the first elected leader of the Plymouth Colony, Carver was incorporated as a town in 1790. Early industry revolved around sawmills (due to the many water sources and abundant woodlands), and grew to include iron foundries and cranberry agriculture. Money from the iron helped the community to grow, as evidenced by several mansions still in existence in the town. Also located in Carver is Savery's Avenue, the first divided highway in America. Presented to the Public in 1861 by William Savery. The trees between the roads and on the outside of them were to be left for "shade and ornament for man and beast". Both road beds were Macadamized in 1907. A portion of the expense was advanced by the daughters of the builder, Mrs. Mary P.S. Jowitt and Ms. H.D. Savery. By the 1940s the cranberry harvest was the largest in the world, and today it is still a major business in town. Because of the land taken for the bogs, however, growth is limited, giving the town a rural flavor it takes pride in. Carver also has two notable tourist attractions. Edaville Railroad is a narrow-gauge railroad attraction which opened in 1949. It has long been a family tourist attraction in Southeastern Massachusetts, especially for its festival of lights around Christmastime. It has experienced a revival in recent years, after being sold in 1991 and nearly closing. The town is also the site of King Richard's Faire, a recreation of a 16th century English fair which is open on weekends throughout September and October. It is one of Massachusetts' largest Renaissance fairs. Research Tips
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