Bartholomew Gosnold-MIssing LbNA #41528 (ARCHIVED)

Bartholomew Gosnold (1572-1607) was an English lawyer, explorer and privateer. In 1602, he led the first English expedition to the “North Part of Virginia” to establish a fort and trading post. Gosnold sailed Concord south in search of a settlement site. When he traced the peninsula that is Cape Cod, Gosnold named it for the profusion of cod in the surrounding waters. South of the cape, he found the islands. Martha’s Vineyard was named for the abundance of wild grapes, and for Gosnold’s firstborn daughter who had died as an infant in 1598. Gosnold named The Elizabeth’s Island after the Queen. The island in Buzzard’s Bay, now called Cuttyhunk. Is where the party landed and built a fort. However, encountering hostile Indians and realizing that they lacked provisions to last until they would be resupplied, they abandoned the settlement after a month. Gosnold returned to England with a cargo of cedar and sassafras, his hopes for colonization in the New World disappointed but undeterred. He returned to England to become the prime mover of the voyage resulting in the colonization of Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. After having been chosen to head the new colony, he died of scurvy and dysentery only three months after arriving. Gosnold set in motion the impulse for colonization that played out in the founding of an English-speaking nation on the shores of the New World.

Along the Shining Sea Bike path in Falmouth heading towards Wood's Hole is Bartholomew Gosnold's letterbox. Travel along the bike path to Nobska Lighthouse. This part of the bike path travels along side of the water. On your right past a monument dedicated to Katherine Lee Bates is a bench that is dedicated in loving memory of Bill Port. Just behind this bench is some sort of pump covered by bushes. Next to the bench a sandy path leads towards a wooded area. On a clear day, you can sees the boats going to Martha's Vineyard from Wood's Hole. You will also have a great view of Nobska Lighthouse. (check for listing for letterbox) Next to this bench is 2 Cedar trees. The second tree closer to the wooded area hides the box. On the back side of tree just above on a branch is the box. Please check to make sure the box is securely in place. The wind will reck havoc on this box. It might end up on the ground.