South Dartmouth and its adjoining villages began to be permanently settled in the mid 1600s. One of the first settlements was the historic village of Russell's Mills which sits at the head of the Slocum River and is still home to Davoll's General Store. The charming village of Padanaram was formally named in 1817 and is a bustling harbor-side town with quaint shops, commercial amenities and traditional New England architecture. The allure of this area is its community feeling and everything within walking distance. It is a favorite destination for the outdoor enthusiasts with its sheltered harbor, beautiful beaches, fishing, scenic biking opportunities, walking preserves, Demarest Lloyd State Park and more.