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The Myles Standish Monument is a granite obelisk commemorating the military leader of the Plymouth Colony. It is situated on Standish Hill in Duxbury, Massachusetts, overlooking Plymouth.

Visual Characteristics

The monument is an 11-foot tall granite obelisk, tapering to a point. It stands on a three-tiered granite base, with the lowest tier measuring approximately 20 feet square. The granite is a mottled gray color. The overall height from the ground to the apex of the obelisk is approximately 50 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is located at 126 Standish Street, Duxbury, MA 02332. It is approximately 5 miles north of Plymouth center. Access is via Standish Street, which is a paved public road. Parking is available in a small gravel lot at the base of the hill. Public transport options are limited; the nearest MBTA commuter rail station is in Kingston, approximately 4 miles away, requiring a taxi or ride-share service for the final leg.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the monument began in 1872 and was completed in 1898. It was designed by architect S.F. Haven and built by the Standish Monument Association. The purpose was to honor Myles Standish, a significant figure in early American colonial history.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend the 100+ steps inside the monument to reach an observation platform offering panoramic views of Plymouth Harbor and the surrounding area. Walking the grounds around the monument is permitted. Photography of the structure and the distant coastline is a common activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of the monument. Shade is limited to the area around the base of the structure. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the monument site; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or dine in Duxbury or Plymouth.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal photography of the coastline and harbor, late afternoon light provides good illumination. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, offering milder weather. There are no tide-dependent activities associated with the monument.

Facts & Legends

A local legend suggests that the site of the monument was chosen because it was a favored lookout point for Myles Standish himself. The granite used for the monument was quarried from a site in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Nearby Landmarks

• Pilgrim Hall Museum (4.8km South)
• Plimoth Patuxet Museums (5.0km South)
• Mayflower Society House (4.5km South)
• National Monument to the Forefathers (4.0km South)
• Kingston Collection (3.5km Southwest)