09/19/2026
There is so much incredible history tucked away here in Rockport—from the stories behind the naming of Bearskin Neck and the legacy of Hannah Jumper, to the history right here at The Blacksmith Shop! ⚒️☕️
What are some of your favorite local historical spots? Let us know in the comments!
🐻 A bear, a fishing knife, and one unforgettable name…
Ever wonder how Bearskin Neck got its name? One local legend tells of Ebenezer Babson rescuing his nephew from a bear, battling it with a fishing knife, and leaving its skin drying on the shoreline rocks. Passing fishermen reportedly gave the little peninsula its memorable name.
But that’s only one version! Another tells of a bear caught by the tide, a story commemorated on the sign at the entrance to the Neck.
Long before the shops, galleries, and ice cream stops, this was a busy working waterfront tied to fishing and Rockport’s granite trade. 🌊
Which version of the bear story did you grow up hearing? And what’s your favorite memory of Bearskin Neck? 🐻💙