Exploring Timothy Dexter's William Pitt Statue in Newburyport, Massachusetts

Introduction to Newburyport

Newburyport is one of the most charming coastal communities in Massachusetts, located near the mouth of the Merrimack River and Plum Island. With a rich history of shipping, fishing, and tourism, Newburyport is also recognized as the official birthplace of the United States Coast Guard.

The Old Newbury Museum showcases the history of Newburyport and its surrounding communities. Housed in a beautifully preserved Federal-style building from the early 19th century, the museum features many unique historical artifacts.

The William Pitt Statue by Timothy Dexter

Among these artifacts stands a large wooden statue depicting a man in military uniform, positioned on a staircase as if keeping a watchful eye over visitors. This statue is attributed to Timothy Dexter, one of the quirkiest entrepreneurs in American history.

The Unusual Life of Timothy Dexter

Born in 1747 into a poor family in Massachusetts, Timothy Dexter left school at the age of eight to help on the family farm. By the age of 16, he was apprenticed to a leatherworker. At 21, he moved to Newburyport and married Elizabeth Frothingham, a wealthy widow.

With his newfound wealth, Dexter purchased a grand mansion and embarked on a series of bizarre yet successful business ventures. After the Revolutionary War, he capitalized on the devaluation of currency to make a fortune.

Quirky Business Ventures

Dexter exported outlandish items such as bed warmers to the West Indies, where they were used for making spoons in the local sugar industry. He also sent a shipment of wool gloves to the West Indies, which eventually made their way to Siberia.

In a truly unusual move, Dexter exported a large number of stray cats to help control the rat population in the Caribbean and stockpiled whale bones to later carve into corset accessories.

Dexter's Pride and Jealousy

Despite being ridiculed by the New England elite, Dexter took great pride in his self-worth. He adorned his home with minaret towers and erected 40 large statues of famous figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and himself.

His statue bears the inscription, "I am the first in the East, first in the West, and the greatest philosopher in the Western world." He referred to himself as "Lord Timothy Dexter" and often rewarded those who called him "Lord Chester" with money.

Quirky Acts

Among his many eccentricities, Dexter once declared that his wife had died, claiming that the woman living with him was her ghost. He even faked his own death to see how many people would attend his funeral. In his later years, in 1802, he published a book titled “A Pickle for the Knowing Ones,” which mainly criticized politicians and his wife, written with poor grammar and no punctuation.

Legacy and Preservation

After his death in 1806, Dexter's estate was auctioned off. The Great September Gale and the New England Hurricane of 1815 destroyed most of the remaining outdoor statues. However, the statue of William Pitt the Elder survived, was restored, and is now displayed at the Old Newbury Museum.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning a trip to Newburyport, Massachusetts, keep in mind that a U.S. travel visa is required for entry. Flights from Vietnam to Boston (the nearest major city to Newburyport) typically range from 15-20 million VND. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Newburyport when the weather is most pleasant.

Don’t forget to visit the Old Newbury Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of this area and the unique statue of William Pitt!

Article referenced and edited from: Atlas Obscura