Dunback Meadow

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This is an extremely historic meadow, with a rather odd name; it was named in the 1600s, most probably by a fellow named Sparhawke. When the colonists came to America (the "New World") on the boats from Europe, they would have certainly remembered seeing the backs of the large whales. In this particular meadow, the grass would have been so grazed by sheep, that it would have turned a dun-color earlier than the other grasses. The hummocks around the place would have looked like the backs of the whales. Thus, we arrive at "Dunback Meadows." (Originally called "Dunback Neck.")

(The above theory was provided by a book on historic Lexington open space, by Thomas Sileo.)

Several dairy farms have operated, through the years, on various parts of this property, including the Meek and Swenson farms.