Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Office of Tourism

It's Not Europe. It's Fairhaven.

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Fairhaven has a rich history dating back to the days of the Pilgrims. The first naval battle of the American Revolution was fought by Fairhaven militiamen aboard the sloop Success in May of 1775. The town withstood an attack by the British in 1778 and grew in prosperity during the whaling days in the 1800s.

The town's most remarkable features are the magnificent European-style public buildings built between 1885 and 1906 by Standard Oil Company millionaire Henry Huttleston Rogers, a native of the town.

Visiting Fairhaven, you'll find a public state beach overlooking Buzzards Bay, several recreational marinas, historical Fort Phoenix and the Rogers buildings, free walking tours, a number of unique shops and more than fifty restaurants. There are three bed and breakfast establishments as well as three larger accommodations.

The Fairhaven Office of Tourism can send you an information packet to tell you about the town's history, attractions, accommodations, special events and much more.

For an information packet, call 508-979-4085, email FairhavenTours@aol.com or write to Fairhaven Office of Tourism, 43 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

The Fairhaven Visitors Center at 43 Center Street, Fairhaven, is open year round Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A List of Special Events in Fairhaven is available here:
FAIRHAVEN EVENTS

Free Historical Tours

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PHOTO BY ANNE KAKLEY

The Office of Tourism presents free historical walking tours on a regular schedule from spring to fall. In addition, visiting groups and tour operators may arrange in advance for custom tours.

Henry H. Rogers Walking Tours
Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 10:00 a.m.
June through September.
Tours begin at the Visitors Center, 43 Center Street.
This 90-minute walk outlines the life of Standard Oil Co. millionaire Henry H. Rogers and the magnificent public buildings that he donated to his hometown.

Goodwife Spooner's
Fort Phoenix Tour
Tuesday afternoons, 2:00 p.m.
July and August
Begins at Fort Phoenix flagpole,
Fort Phoenix, Fort Street.
Learn the history of Fort Phoenix and about life during the American Revolution from the point of view of an 18th century woman from Fair-Haven Village.

Fort Phoenix Minuteman Tour
Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m.
June through September.
Tour begins at Fort Phoenix, Fort Street.
A Revolutionary War period militiaman guides this one-hour tour about the fort that guarded Fairhaven's harbor through three wars. Tour includes flintlock rifle firing demonstration.

In the spring and fall tours of Riverside Cemetery are scheduled on specific weekend dates. Check the Events Listings for dates and times.

To pre-arrange group tours, call 508-979-4085 or email FairhavenTours@aol.com.