History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable County, located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, has a rich and storied history dating back to the early colonial period. Established in 1685, Barnstable County encompasses not only the scenic beauty of Cape Cod but also holds significance in early American history, particularly in maritime trade, the American Revolution, and the development of tourism. From the Pilgrims’ landing to its role in the industrial and post-industrial eras, Barnstable’s historical landmarks, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes have shaped its identity. Today, it is a hub for both local residents and tourists, attracting people with its historical sites, preserved landscapes, and unique New England charm.
Origins and Early History
Native American Inhabitants
Long before European settlers arrived in Barnstable County, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, primarily the Wampanoag people. The Wampanoag had lived on Cape Cod for thousands of years, utilizing its abundant natural resources, including fish, shellfish, game, and the dense woodlands. Their society was organized around fishing, hunting, and agriculture, with villages and seasonal camps spread across the peninsula.
The Wampanoag encountered English settlers in 1620 when the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth, establishing one of the first permanent European colonies in the New World. The relationship between the Wampanoag and the settlers was initially peaceful, with the tribe aiding the pilgrims through the first harsh winter. However, as European colonization expanded, tensions over land, resources, and cultural differences grew, leading to conflicts such as King Philip’s War in the 1670s.
European Exploration and Settlement
The first European to set foot on Cape Cod was likely the Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Gosnold, who explored the area in 1602. He named the region Cape Cod due to its abundance of codfish, a valuable resource for trade. Following Gosnold, the English began to settle along the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the early 17th century, establishing small farming communities and fishing towns.
The settlement of Barnstable itself began in 1639, when a group of Puritans from the Plymouth Colony founded the town. These early settlers were drawn to the area for its natural resources, fertile soil, and proximity to the sea. Barnstable, located along the southern shore of Cape Cod, quickly became a prominent fishing and agricultural community. The town’s early economy centered around maritime trade, particularly shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling.
Formation of Barnstable County
Establishment of Barnstable County
Barnstable County was officially established in 1685, making it one of the oldest counties in Massachusetts. It was formed from parts of Plymouth and Bristol counties and originally covered much of the Cape Cod region. The county’s creation was part of a broader administrative restructuring that sought to better govern the growing population of Massachusetts and organize land ownership and legal matters.
In the early years, Barnstable County was primarily agricultural, with settlements spread throughout the Cape Cod region. By the late 17th century, Cape Cod had become an important center of shipbuilding and maritime trade, which spurred growth and economic development. Barnstable, the county seat, was an essential port for the region, and its strategic location made it an important trade hub.
Role in the American Revolution
Barnstable County played a key role during the American Revolution, as its location along the Massachusetts coast made it vulnerable to British naval activity. The residents of Cape Cod were active in resisting British rule, participating in protests such as the Boston Tea Party, and engaging in skirmishes against British troops. Many Cape Codders joined the Continental Army or served in local militias.
Barnstable’s most notable contribution to the Revolution came in the form of privateering. As a coastal town with a long history of maritime activity, Barnstable became home to a fleet of privateer vessels, which were authorized by the Continental Congress to attack British ships. These privateers played a critical role in disrupting British trade and weakening the British war effort.
The Growth of Barnstable County
Economic Development in the 19th Century
During the 19th century, Barnstable County continued to develop economically. The maritime industries of fishing, whaling, and shipbuilding remained important to the local economy, with towns like Barnstable, Hyannis, and Chatham becoming key centers for these industries. Cape Cod’s rich marine resources made it an ideal location for these industries to thrive.
In addition to maritime trade, Barnstable County saw growth in agriculture, particularly in the production of cranberries, which became a significant crop for the region. The area’s sandy soil, particularly in places like the Cape Cod Cranberry Company, made it an ideal location for cranberry bogs, which are still a major part of the county’s agricultural industry today.
The introduction of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought new opportunities for tourism and trade. The development of the Cape Cod Railroad in the 1850s made it easier for people from Boston and other cities to travel to Cape Cod, boosting the county’s tourism industry. As a result, Barnstable County began to experience a shift from an exclusively industrial economy to one that also depended on tourism, making it one of the first tourist destinations in New England.
Role in the Arts and Culture
As tourism boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Barnstable County began to attract artists, writers, and intellectuals seeking inspiration in its picturesque landscapes. Towns such as Provincetown became famous for their artistic communities, with painters and writers flocking to the Cape for its natural beauty and tranquil environment.
Provincetown, in particular, became a center for the burgeoning American art scene, as well as a gathering place for progressive intellectuals. The Provincetown Players, a theater group founded in the early 20th century, became a notable part of the American avant-garde theater movement.
Historical Sites in Barnstable County
1. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
Overview: The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum celebrates the Kennedy family’s connection to Cape Cod, where President John F. Kennedy spent much of his childhood and later, as president, vacationed. The museum features photographs, memorabilia, and stories about the Kennedys’ time in Hyannis Port.
Location: 397 Main Street, Hyannis, MA
Ticket Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children (as of 2023)
Parking Information: Parking is available nearby at municipal parking lots.
2. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum
Overview: The Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis is dedicated to preserving the rich maritime history of the region. The museum highlights Cape Cod’s shipbuilding history, the fishing and whaling industries, and the impact of the sea on local culture.
Location: 135 South Street, Hyannis, MA
Ticket Price: $8 for adults, $5 for children (as of 2023)
Parking Information: Free parking is available at the museum.
3. The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
Overview: The Pilgrim Monument commemorates the Pilgrims’ first landing on Cape Cod in 1620, before they eventually settled in Plymouth. The monument stands at 252 feet, making it the tallest all-granite structure in the United States. The adjacent Provincetown Museum provides a historical context for the town’s founding and maritime history.
Location: 1 High Pole Hill, Provincetown, MA
Ticket Price: $15 for adults, $5 for children (as of 2023)
Parking Information: On-site parking is available for visitors.
4. The Cape Cod National Seashore
Overview: The Cape Cod National Seashore protects 43,000 acres of land and 40 miles of pristine coastline. The area is home to beaches, salt marshes, ponds, and uplands, along with a number of historic lighthouses, such as the iconic Nauset Light.
Location: Wellfleet, MA
Ticket Price: Free, but there is a fee for parking at certain beaches.
Parking Information: Plenty of parking is available at designated parking lots near the beaches.
Geography and Climate
Barnstable County is located on Cape Cod, a large peninsula that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. The county is surrounded by water on three sides, with the Cape Cod Bay to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Nantucket Sound to the south. The county’s geography is marked by sandy shores, salt marshes, and rolling hills, with a temperate coastal climate.
The climate in Barnstable County is classified as humid continental, with distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild to warm. Coastal breezes temper the heat, making the summer climate more comfortable than inland areas of Massachusetts. The region receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, which supports the lush vegetation and agricultural production of the area.
County Facts
- Year Founded: 1685
- County Seat: Barnstable
- Population: Approximately 213,000 (2020 census)
- Population Density: 371 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Barnstable, Hyannis, Falmouth, Yarmouth
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 6, Massachusetts Route 28, and Massachusetts Route 132
- Adjacent Counties: Plymouth County, Bristol County
Barnstable County, with its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant cultural life, continues to play a vital role in the history of Massachusetts. From the early Wampanoag inhabitants to its role as a prominent colonial and maritime hub, the county’s heritage remains embedded in its communities. Whether it’s through historical landmarks, cultural institutions, or its breathtaking coastal landscapes, Barnstable County stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of New England.
