Landmarks and Memorials
Founded in 1727, the Town of Hanover has a rich history that can still be seen throughout the town. The first public meetinghouse at the First Congregational Church, Hanover Town Hall, the Stetson House, John Curtis Free Library, Hanover Center Cemetery, and Sylvester School are just a few examples of Hanover's vast history in the town center.
Located on the Hanover-Pembroke town line, Ludden’s Ford is an integral part of Hanover’s history. The area was home to sawmills, ironworks, rubber factories, and companies like Curtis Anchor Forge when shipbuilding was prevalent during the 1700s and 1800s.
Hanover has been fortunate to have residents willing to serve and protect their country for centuries. Examples are found at the Civil War Memorial across the street from the Hanover Town Hall to the Chair of Honor, dedicated to all soldiers still missing in action. The Veterans Memorial, located at the B. Everett Hall Field, is dedicated to veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Along with Hanover's historical sites, there are many recreational areas throughout the Town, including Forge Pond Park, B. Everett Hall Field and Park, Ellis Field, Ludden’s Ford, and Sylvester Field.
Bicentennial Memorial Tree
The bicentennial tree was donated by the Hanover Lions Club in December of 1976. The thirty-foot-tall evergreen tree was planted in front of the John Curtis Free Library to memorialize Hanover’s Bicentennial.
Located between the John Curtis Free Library and the Stetson House.
Chair of Honor
The Chair of Honor is empty as a reminder of the 92,000 Americans that remain missing from WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars, and the Global War on Terrorism in defense of our freedom.
Located at the main entrance of the Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street.
Charles E. Cummings Square
Charles Cummings was from Hanover and served as a 1st Class Private in the U.S. Army. He served during World War I and was one of the 105 boys who went to fight across the world during this war from Hanover, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, he was one of the three that were killed. He died in battle while in France.
Located at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Hanover Street.
Civil War Memorial
Located at 487 Hanover Street, the Hanover Civil War Memorial was erected in 1878 by the people of Hanover in grateful memory of all who died in the war to preserve the Union.
Located Next to the First Congregational Church.
Edward Y. Perry Square
Edward Perry was an entrepreneur in Hanover during the 1800s. He was the President of the Hanover Branch Railroad and spoke up greatly during the Civil War about equal treatment for African Americans and women. He spoke up after the Compromise of 1977 that ended Reconstruction and led to the Jim Crow Laws. Edward Y. Perry died in 1899 at the age of 86 years old.
Located at the intersection of Broadway and Cross Street.
Fred Yetsook Square
Fred Yetsook was born in Hanover in 1919 and graduated from Sylvester High School in June 1936. On August 8, 1944, Fred entered the service as a Private First Class in the 119th Infantry. He was later killed in action near Spellen, Germany on March 24, 1945, at the age of 26. Fred was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his heroic acts during the war.
Located at the intersections of Myrtle Street, Winter Street, and Circuit Street.
James J. Levings Square
James Levings joined the U.S. Army during World War I. As a Corporal of the 49th Infantry in the U.S. Army, James J. Levings was injured in battle and later died on January 27, 1919.
Located at the intersection of Elm and Water Street.
John Manna Square
John Manna graduated from Sylvester High School in June of 1933 and enlisted in 1941 to join the World War II war effort. As a First Lieutenant of the 35th Infantry Division, he was killed on January 4, 1945, in Belgium near Villers la Bonne-Eau. Manna was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his actions during the war.
Located at the intersection of Main Street and Webster Street.
Josselyn Square
Leon W. Josselyn grew up in Hanover before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War I. Josselyn died on September 30, 1918, in Wadonville, France, serving as a Private for the 101st Infantry in the 26th Division. Leon was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his sacrifices made during the war.
Located at the intersection of King Street and School Street.
Mercer Square
Edward A. Mercer and Jane R. Mercer grew up in Hanover before enlisting into the U.S. Naval Forces. Edward and Jane were siblings who grew up in Hanover and died in consecutive years of the war. Jane died in 1918 as a nurse in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force. Edward died of pneumonia in 1919 as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. They rest today at the Hanover Center Cemetery.
Located at the intersection of Union Street and Main Street.
North River Bridge (Washington Street)
The North River Bridge, located at the Washington Street crossing, was built in 1656 by William Barstow. This bridge is the border between Pembroke and Hanover. The bridge was first built to accommodate foot and horse traffic. The width is 40 feet. The height above the mean low water is 23 feet. The width of the roadway is approximately 40 feet.
Located at the Washington Street crossing between the towns of Hanover and Pembroke.
Prouty Plow
The Prouty Plow was invented in Hanover, Massachusetts by David Prouty. Prouty, originally from Scituate, was a Hanover resident from 1811 to 1833. The plow, a first of its kind, was able to work the rocky New England terrain. After its initial success, more than 150 plows were manufactured in Hanover annually.
Located on Main Street near the Webster Street intersection.
Thomas V. Rubicus Square
Thomas Rubicus was born in 1913 and attended school in Hanover. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 13, 1942, and was assigned to the U.S.S. Macomb (D.M.S. 23). Serving as a Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class, on May 3, 1945, Thomas died in action off of Okinawa at the age of 32.
Located at the intersection of Circuit Street and School Street.
Veterans Memorial
The Hanover Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 2017. The memorial is located at 495 Hanover Street. This is also the location of the B. Everett Hall Field.
Walter L. Sweeney Square
Walter L. Sweeney served as the Hanover Police Chief for 15 years, ending his long tenure in Hanover public service. Sweeney started as a firefighter and became a Hanover Police dispatcher in 1978. In 1982, Sweeney was first named a full-time police officer.
Located at the intersection of Circuit Street and Hanover Street.
World War II Honor Roll
The World War II Honor Roll boards list the names of Hanover’s World War II fallen soldiers. The plaques were created in 1946 and were restored in 2016 by the Town of Hanover. The boards were originally placed outside of the building.
Located at the Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street.
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Memorial
Located at the Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street, the memorial is dedicated to those of Hanover who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.