Padanaram, a charming village in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, lies along the Apponagansett River (also called Padanaram Harbor). In 1652 it was purchased from Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag Indian tribe.

In the mid 18th century, Padanaram became a ship building center because of its fine harbor. This tradition continues today and the area boast craftsmen who are expert in building and maintaining boats.

The village was known as Ponogansett in the early records. At the start of the 19th century, Laban Thatcher arrived from Cape Cod. Building a wharf, a shipyard, a windmill and a magnesia factory, he became a pillar of the community. However, he is best known for "Laban's Folly", an elaborate saltworks which proved to be a failure.

It was Laban Thatcher who gave the name Padanaram to the village. It is believed he saw an analogy in his own life and fortunes to the biblical Laban, who dwelt in Padan-Aram, the plain of Aram in northwest Mesopotamia.

Now mostly residential, the village is home to New Bedford Yacht Club, which bi-annually hosts the Buzzards Bay Regatta. Additionally, the village hosts many other interesting businesses, galleries and specialty shops.