Leyden Street - America’s First Street

Plymouth, Massachusetts

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This project included streetscape planning and design services relative to improve the intersection of historic Leyden Street and Water Street in Plymouth. The objective of the plan was to create a safer pedestrian crossing, landscaped focal area to provide a rest stop for pedestrians, and interpretive features to educate visitors and residents.

The project realigned curbs and the crosswalk to adjacent Brewer Garden, provided benches, trash receptacles, decorative granite and brick paving, irrigation, extensive plantings, and three interpretive panels. Interpretive stories included Leyden Street, the first street in America, Cole’s Hill a prominent and historic hill bordering the intersection, and the Early Plymouth Waterfront.

The site provides a beautiful and comfortable resting place where visitors and residents can learn more about Plymouth history and that encourages them to explore Leyden Street an important connection to downtown Plymouth.