Hull historians believe that its interesting history was determined by its unusual geography. The town of Hull is a long narrow peninsula projecting into Boston harbor which the Plymouth colony used to set up a trading post with the local Indians in 1621.
Hull launched the industry of tourism in the town in 1825. The magnificent beaches and easy access to Boston brought hordes of visitors. By 1840 steamers were making three trips a day between Boston and Hull.
Hull enjoyed an era of grand hotels and prominent visitors. Unfortunately gamblers and pick pockets and confidence men followed the tourists on the honky-tonk boardwalk. It was then that the town of Hull licensed the construction of Paragon Park which was described as a "marvel of fantasy". It provided safe family fun for the guests of the town.
The amusement park closed in 1985 and an entire era ended for the millions of visitors who enjoyed it for generations. The original carousel has been kept running and maintained and still stands in usage on the boulevard.
Another era began as Hull developed a suburban character and a growing number of professionals moved into town. They are drawn by the same beaches-Nantasket Beach being the most widely used-and the same proximity to Boston that drew people in the 19th century.