Wareham
Wareham was discovered in 1603 by Bartholomew Gosnold, an Englishman who sailed directly across the North Atlantic Ocean to explore the east coast of North America. He gave the names to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, the Elizabethan Islands, Cuttyhunk and Agawam (Wareham)as well as other local towns.
In 1666 local tribes sold Agawam to the Plymouth Colony for grazing lands. The tribes did not realize the full extent of what they had signed. This meant that the Pilgrims held exclusive rights to Agawam.



Early on the residents recognized the importance of herring. Even in colonial times strict rules were set for how many herring could be caught. Because herring was a necessity of life, catching and preserving them became a family affair. Oysters were another greatly sought after food found in the local waters.
    
 Bog ore was discovered while digging in the fields. This ore proved useful for the making of nails, farm implements and ironware. Many homesteads set up furnaces and forges so that they could process the ore. During the processing it was discovered that if charcoal was burned instead of wood, the fire would be hotter and the ore would then harden and turn to steel. This steel could be made into strong mails. It 1819, a cut nail factory was started. Many other nail companies soon followed. Only one is still is existence. It is the Tremont Nail Company, which hold the distinction of being one of the oldest operating industrial buildings in America. It is open daily for inspection.
    
 Part of Wareham, now called Onset Village was originally designated as "the ministerial lands" of Wareham. It was a quiet unspoiled region until 1877 when the Onset Bay Grove Association started a spiritual summer resort and campground there. Soon afterwards people established summer homes in the area. Onset grew rapidly between 1872 and 1885 with houses built in the Victorian style. Many of these homes have been recently restored so that today we may get a glimpse of their previous splendor.

Town of Wareham website