Cape Cod
By Precision Disposal
Cape Cod’s History and More
By Precision Disposal
Full of beauty and things to do, Cape Cod is a popular tourist destination in Massachusetts and an amazing place to live.
Residents enjoy the beautiful beaches, viewing the old yet gorgeous lighthouses, seeing the natural area to be explored, and much more.
Yet, it wasn’t too long ago that Cape Cod was considered a landmark for those exploring the world.
Whether you’re a current resident, someone ready to visit, or someone who is moving to the area, take a little bit of time to learn more about the history of Cape Cod, what there is to do, and more.
Early Explorers and Cape Cod
It may seem like Cape Cod has always been used by explorers as a type of landmark.
Some historians believe that it may have been mentioned by the Norse voyagers as early as 985 AD.
Leif Eriksson is rumored to have visited the Manomet River area and there is a stone wall in Provincetown that is said to have been constructed by Thorvald Eriksson, Leif’s younger brother.
This would have been constructed around 1007 AD.
It is also said that he was buried in this area, though there is no other evidence of this.
Still, it does show that people have been exploring and visiting the Cape Cod area for hundreds of years.
Other explorers to visit the area include Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, Estevao Gomes in 1525, Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602, and Samuel de Champlain in 1606.
Henry Hudson landed in the area in 1609 and the famed Captain John Smith visited the area in 1614.
After that, the Pilgrims are said to have entered the area and landed near what is known as Provincetown in 1520.
It is nearby in what is now known as Eastham where they first met the Native Americans.
Giovanni da Verrazzano was a navigator from Italy who worked to explore North America for France.
He sailed the east coast from the Carolinas to Newfoundland, creating the first maps of the coast.
During the early 1600s, Samuel De Champlain, another navigator, worked to create a map of Nauset Harbor.
He created a detailed map that includes the Native American villages, cornfields of the time, fish traps, and a lot more.
Many of the earliest visitors were in the area in an attempt to map the new lands and determine if there was the possibility of starting a colony in the area.
In the early 1600s, another explorer, Captain John Smith visited the area. He initially settled in Jamestown but was forced to leave and headed to the New England area.
The exploration plan was to search for gold and hunt whales, but he was also looking for an area to create a new colony.
He did find an area and attempted to return to New England to create a new colony in 1615, but had two unsuccessful attempts when the ships were damaged by storms and captured by French pirates.
He was able to escape and return to England, where he created a map of what became known as New England.
It was only a few years later when the Mayflower Pilgrims landed in the area, but John Smith was not able to return.
He is responsible for many of the names of places in New England, many of which were inspired by the Native Americans.
Many of those names have changed in the years since, however, and only a few remain untouched.
King Charles himself changed more than 30 names, of which many have been changed again in the years since then.
The First European Settlers
European settlers initially settled in the area in the early 1600s, and from there, each of the towns that make up Cape Cod was developed. Barnstable, Sandwich, and Yarmouth were all developed in the early 1600s, with the last to be established being Bourne in 1884.
The Cap Cod Canal itself was developed in the late 1800s to the early 1900s, before being purchased by the federal government in 1928.
When early settlers arrived in the area, a lot of land was used intensely to provide shelter and grow crops.
Homes were originally constructed out of materials found in the area and often were fashioned after the homes of the local Native Americans, the Wampanoag tribe.
The heat was done by fire in these times, wood was burned to create ash that could add nutrients to the soil, and areas were cleared to make room for new crops or cattle.
This led to the destruction of the area and significant erosion and ended with the firewood needing to be brought in by boat from Maine.
In the earliest days of settling in the Cape Cod area, settlers relied on assistance from the Wampanoag. Settlers learn how to live off the land, how to use the whales that were stranded on the beaches, and more. However, by the mid-1700s, there was a significant decline in whaling.
Too many whales near the shore had been killed, and this causes a huge impact on the local economy. It was during the 1800s that the residents in Cape Cod began to turn to tourism to help restore the economy.
Due to the location and lack of water power, the early industrial revolution did not have as much of an impact on Cape Cod as it did on the surrounding areas. Instead, the area became a large fishing and whaling center.
By the late 1800s, farmers had stopped trying to grow cops in the cape, opting to move west where farming was easier to do, and forests began to recover.
However, it still took until the mid-1900s before the forests would recover to the way they were in the 1700s.
Today, many of the forests are in protected areas, so there is a far reduced chance they will disappear again the way they did early in Cape Cod’s history.
Modern Cape Cod
The end of the 19th century saw improved transportation to the Upper Cape, allowing many visitors and new residents to move to the area. Trains first connected Boston and Sandwich in 1848, but slowly were expanded to reach Provincetown.
During the early 1900s, a canal was created to merge the waters between the two bays, but it was narrow and not as successful as hoped.
Due to the size and the dangerous currents created, it only allowed for one-way traffic. In the early 1900s, however, the federal government purchased the canal and rebuilt it.
By the early 1900s, the Buzzards Bay area was full of cottages and started to become a favored destination for many.
The area is known for some of its famous visitors or summer residents over the years, and tourism began to be a huge part of the local economy, helping it recover further.
The area near the beaches of Cape Cod was slated to become more housing, but it was designated the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961, protecting it from development.
This means it is preserved for public use and is available for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The area has had many notable guests or summer residents over the years, including Presidents Kennedy and Cleveland, Julie Harris, Louis Brandeis, Canary Burton, and Kurt Vonnegut.
Famous people who were born or raised in Cape Cod include James Otis, Lemuel Shaw, John Percival, and Otis Warren.
Today, not much of Cape Cod has changed. There are still smaller villages with large areas of forests, marshes, and beaches.
It’s still a favored vacation area, and people from all over come to see the stunning views available only from the Cape Cod beaches.
Many of those who visit decide to stay a little longer, come back more often, or move to the area.
Though Cape Cod has grown and become a more popular tourist destination, it does still have the charm it has had for many years now and is still an amazing place to spend a week or two.
It’s also the perfect place to move to for those who want a fantastic place to raise their family.
Cape Cod’s Lighthouses
Lighthouses have long been fascinating buildings to visit and see.
The Cape Cod lighthouses were initially constructed in the late 1700s as a way to help sailors navigate the coast.
The Highland Light or Cape Cod Light is the oldest lighthouse, though it still does continue to work.
Early lighthouses consisted of a keeper’s dwelling with a light tower directly on top.
From the top floor of the house, the keeper could ascend a long staircase to the lantern room, allowing them to control the lights without leaving the house.
Today, these are known as Cape Cod-style lighthouses, and the lighthouses still in operation in Cape Cod are mostly operated by the US Coast Guard or the Cape Cod National Seashore and Park Service.
Most of the Cape Cod-styled lighthouses that are still in operation, however, are now located on the West Coast of the US.
Historically, Cape Cod has suffered due to erosion of the beaches, and the lighthouses are no exception.
Though originally constructed far enough away from the beaches, the erosion of the shoreline has brought them much closer to the water. In the 1990s, two of the Cape Cod lighthouses, Highland Light and Nauset Light, were moved away from the shore.
Due to erosion, they were both too close and at risk of falling into the sea if more erosion occurred.
Now, there are nearly 20 lighthouses on Cape Cod, some of which are privately owned, and all of which can be viewed from outside by travelers and residents.
Though they may not be as necessary as they were in the past, they’re still an amazing example of the history of the area and what it was like when they were used.
Please Read and Visit Our Other Town and History
Brockton MA
Carver MA
Marshfield MA
Duxbury MA
Hanover MA
Norwell MA
Residents enjoy the beautiful beaches, viewing the old yet gorgeous lighthouses, seeing the natural area to be explored, and much more.
Yet, it wasn’t too long ago that Cape Cod was considered a landmark for those exploring the world.
Whether you’re a current resident, someone ready to visit, or someone who is moving to the area, take a little bit of time to learn more about the history of Cape Cod, what there is to do, and more.
Early Explorers and Cape Cod
It may seem like Cape Cod has always been used by explorers as a type of landmark.
Some historians believe that it may have been mentioned by the Norse voyagers as early as 985 AD.
Leif Eriksson is rumored to have visited the Manomet River area and there is a stone wall in Provincetown that is said to have been constructed by Thorvald Eriksson, Leif’s younger brother.
This would have been constructed around 1007 AD.
It is also said that he was buried in this area, though there is no other evidence of this.
Still, it does show that people have been exploring and visiting the Cape Cod area for hundreds of years.
Other explorers to visit the area include Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, Estevao Gomes in 1525, Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602, and Samuel de Champlain in 1606.
Henry Hudson landed in the area in 1609 and the famed Captain John Smith visited the area in 1614.
After that, the Pilgrims are said to have entered the area and landed near what is known as Provincetown in 1520.
It is nearby in what is now known as Eastham where they first met the Native Americans.
Giovanni da Verrazzano was a navigator from Italy who worked to explore North America for France.
He sailed the east coast from the Carolinas to Newfoundland, creating the first maps of the coast.
During the early 1600s, Samuel De Champlain, another navigator, worked to create a map of Nauset Harbor.
He created a detailed map that includes the Native American villages, cornfields of the time, fish traps, and a lot more.
Many of the earliest visitors were in the area in an attempt to map the new lands and determine if there was the possibility of starting a colony in the area.
In the early 1600s, another explorer, Captain John Smith visited the area. He initially settled in Jamestown but was forced to leave and headed to the New England area.
The exploration plan was to search for gold and hunt whales, but he was also looking for an area to create a new colony.
He did find an area and attempted to return to New England to create a new colony in 1615, but had two unsuccessful attempts when the ships were damaged by storms and captured by French pirates.
He was able to escape and return to England, where he created a map of what became known as New England.
It was only a few years later when the Mayflower Pilgrims landed in the area, but John Smith was not able to return.
He is responsible for many of the names of places in New England, many of which were inspired by the Native Americans.
Many of those names have changed in the years since, however, and only a few remain untouched.
King Charles himself changed more than 30 names, of which many have been changed again in the years since then.
The First European Settlers
European settlers initially settled in the area in the early 1600s, and from there, each of the towns that make up Cape Cod was developed. Barnstable, Sandwich, and Yarmouth were all developed in the early 1600s, with the last to be established being Bourne in 1884.
The Cap Cod Canal itself was developed in the late 1800s to the early 1900s, before being purchased by the federal government in 1928.
When early settlers arrived in the area, a lot of land was used intensely to provide shelter and grow crops.
Homes were originally constructed out of materials found in the area and often were fashioned after the homes of the local Native Americans, the Wampanoag tribe.
The heat was done by fire in these times, wood was burned to create ash that could add nutrients to the soil, and areas were cleared to make room for new crops or cattle.
This led to the destruction of the area and significant erosion and ended with the firewood needing to be brought in by boat from Maine.
In the earliest days of settling in the Cape Cod area, settlers relied on assistance from the Wampanoag. Settlers learn how to live off the land, how to use the whales that were stranded on the beaches, and more. However, by the mid-1700s, there was a significant decline in whaling.
Too many whales near the shore had been killed, and this causes a huge impact on the local economy. It was during the 1800s that the residents in Cape Cod began to turn to tourism to help restore the economy.
Due to the location and lack of water power, the early industrial revolution did not have as much of an impact on Cape Cod as it did on the surrounding areas. Instead, the area became a large fishing and whaling center.
By the late 1800s, farmers had stopped trying to grow cops in the cape, opting to move west where farming was easier to do, and forests began to recover.
However, it still took until the mid-1900s before the forests would recover to the way they were in the 1700s.
Today, many of the forests are in protected areas, so there is a far reduced chance they will disappear again the way they did early in Cape Cod’s history.
Modern Cape Cod
The end of the 19th century saw improved transportation to the Upper Cape, allowing many visitors and new residents to move to the area. Trains first connected Boston and Sandwich in 1848, but slowly were expanded to reach Provincetown.
During the early 1900s, a canal was created to merge the waters between the two bays, but it was narrow and not as successful as hoped.
Due to the size and the dangerous currents created, it only allowed for one-way traffic. In the early 1900s, however, the federal government purchased the canal and rebuilt it.
By the early 1900s, the Buzzards Bay area was full of cottages and started to become a favored destination for many.
The area is known for some of its famous visitors or summer residents over the years, and tourism began to be a huge part of the local economy, helping it recover further.
The area near the beaches of Cape Cod was slated to become more housing, but it was designated the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961, protecting it from development.
This means it is preserved for public use and is available for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The area has had many notable guests or summer residents over the years, including Presidents Kennedy and Cleveland, Julie Harris, Louis Brandeis, Canary Burton, and Kurt Vonnegut.
Famous people who were born or raised in Cape Cod include James Otis, Lemuel Shaw, John Percival, and Otis Warren.
Today, not much of Cape Cod has changed. There are still smaller villages with large areas of forests, marshes, and beaches.
It’s still a favored vacation area, and people from all over come to see the stunning views available only from the Cape Cod beaches.
Many of those who visit decide to stay a little longer, come back more often, or move to the area.
Though Cape Cod has grown and become a more popular tourist destination, it does still have the charm it has had for many years now and is still an amazing place to spend a week or two.
It’s also the perfect place to move to for those who want a fantastic place to raise their family.
Cape Cod’s Lighthouses
Lighthouses have long been fascinating buildings to visit and see.
The Cape Cod lighthouses were initially constructed in the late 1700s as a way to help sailors navigate the coast.
The Highland Light or Cape Cod Light is the oldest lighthouse, though it still does continue to work.
Early lighthouses consisted of a keeper’s dwelling with a light tower directly on top.
From the top floor of the house, the keeper could ascend a long staircase to the lantern room, allowing them to control the lights without leaving the house.
Today, these are known as Cape Cod-style lighthouses, and the lighthouses still in operation in Cape Cod are mostly operated by the US Coast Guard or the Cape Cod National Seashore and Park Service.
Most of the Cape Cod-styled lighthouses that are still in operation, however, are now located on the West Coast of the US.
Historically, Cape Cod has suffered due to erosion of the beaches, and the lighthouses are no exception.
Though originally constructed far enough away from the beaches, the erosion of the shoreline has brought them much closer to the water. In the 1990s, two of the Cape Cod lighthouses, Highland Light and Nauset Light, were moved away from the shore.
Due to erosion, they were both too close and at risk of falling into the sea if more erosion occurred.
Now, there are nearly 20 lighthouses on Cape Cod, some of which are privately owned, and all of which can be viewed from outside by travelers and residents.
Though they may not be as necessary as they were in the past, they’re still an amazing example of the history of the area and what it was like when they were used.
Please Read and Visit Our Other Town and History
Brockton MA
Carver MA
Marshfield MA
Duxbury MA
Hanover MA
Norwell MA
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Visiting or Moving To Cape Cod Today
Today, visitors have a plethora of hotels, cottages, and more to choose from when they want to visit.
For longer visits, it’s recommended visitors opt for a small cottage to have all of the conveniences of home while they’re in the area.
Tourism is especially huge during the summer months when the weather is sunnier and warmer.
Most visitors will want to spend at least a few days, if not longer, in the area when they visit.
Many, however, opt to spend the entire summer taking in the gorgeous views of Cape Cod.
Those who love the area may decide to settle in Cape Cod.
There are many different areas to choose from, so it can be a little hard to find the perfect place to live.
New residents may want to book a trip to the area before moving to get a better idea of what each of the towns in Cape Cod has to offer, so they have a chance to find one that will be perfect for them.
Along with determining the work commute or other details when moving, it’s a good idea to look at what’s nearby and how far away local attractions may be.
For new residents, the good news is, the beach isn’t far away.
Trails aren’t difficult to get to, either, so those who enjoy the outdoors or want a fun, friendly place to raise their family will find that just about any part of Cape Cod has what they’re looking for.
Each area has tons of history, tons of things to do, and tons of restaurants, shopping, and more to make life more convenient.
Things to Do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod has a ton to offer residents and visitors alike.
A gorgeous area, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors, learn more about the history of the area, and just relax on the beach.
If you’re a resident looking for something to do or a visitor planning a trip, make sure you consider the following.
Check Out the Trails
Whether you prefer to hike, ride a bike, or ride a horse, there are miles of trails available for anyone to use. Check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail for 22 miles of paved trails that will take you through the various ecosystems found in the Lower Cape.
This was known as the Old Colony Railroad Corridor and is now one of the best trails in New England.
Plan to visit more than once, however, if you want to see as much as possible on the trail.
Enjoy a Drive-In Movie
Ready to take a trip back and enjoy a movie from the car?
The Wellfleet Drive-In is one of few drive-in movie theaters left in the US, and they make for a fantastic family outing.
There are two movies each night during the summer months plus have snacks, a mini-golf course, and a playground, so it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the evening.
Visit a Wildlife Refuge
Take a tour of a wildlife refuge to get a chance to see some of the protected areas in Cape Cod as well as animals and birds common in the area.
The Monomoy National Wildlife refuge is the perfect place to spend the day or an afternoon if you’d like to see what the natural Cape Cod area has to offer.
Plan to spend at least a few hours at a wildlife refuge, however, as you’ll want to stop and take in the amazing views.
See the Museums
Museums abound in the Cape Cod area, so there are plenty of choices.
Try the Heritage Museums and Gardens to learn more about the history of the area, the evolution of the car, American folk art, and more.
Plus, you’ll be able to check out the gorgeous gardens, which are sure to be awe-inspiring.
There’s also the Sandwich Glass Museum, Edward Gorey House, and many other monuments or museums to check out.
Head to the Beach
If the goal is to spend the day relaxing in the sun, check out the beaches.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the Cape Cod National Seashore, as it offers some of the best beaches in Cape Cod.
This includes more than 40 miles of beach, so there’s plenty of room to enjoy the day and relax with the perfect view.
Services Available for Cape Cod Residents
Cape Cod residents have access to a variety of professional services.
We offer dumpster rentals for any Cape Cod residents, whether they’re moving into the area, getting ready to move out, or have lived here their whole life.
We love to welcome in new residents and home buyers and can help them get everything organized and remove the clutter before they start to put everything in the new home.
We also offer Dumpster rental cape cod to people who want to declutter before selling their home or those who are looking to get rid of anything they don’t need to keep their current home neat and clean.
If you’re looking for a Roll off dumpster rental cape cod, let our team of professionals help you.
We can make sure the entire process is as easy as possible for you, so you can focus on the things that matter more.
Cape Cod is an area known for its rich history, gorgeous natural landscaping, stunning beaches, and much more.
If you’re a current resident or moving to the area, there is plenty to see, do, and learn about.
If you do ever need help cleaning out the house, we offer Dumpster rentals cape cod to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Call us today Plymouth Dumpster Rental NBD by Precision Disposal to get the help you need and to make sure you get the job done fast, so you have more time to enjoy the beautiful area
Today, visitors have a plethora of hotels, cottages, and more to choose from when they want to visit.
For longer visits, it’s recommended visitors opt for a small cottage to have all of the conveniences of home while they’re in the area.
Tourism is especially huge during the summer months when the weather is sunnier and warmer.
Most visitors will want to spend at least a few days, if not longer, in the area when they visit.
Many, however, opt to spend the entire summer taking in the gorgeous views of Cape Cod.
Those who love the area may decide to settle in Cape Cod.
There are many different areas to choose from, so it can be a little hard to find the perfect place to live.
New residents may want to book a trip to the area before moving to get a better idea of what each of the towns in Cape Cod has to offer, so they have a chance to find one that will be perfect for them.
Along with determining the work commute or other details when moving, it’s a good idea to look at what’s nearby and how far away local attractions may be.
For new residents, the good news is, the beach isn’t far away.
Trails aren’t difficult to get to, either, so those who enjoy the outdoors or want a fun, friendly place to raise their family will find that just about any part of Cape Cod has what they’re looking for.
Each area has tons of history, tons of things to do, and tons of restaurants, shopping, and more to make life more convenient.
Things to Do in Cape Cod
Cape Cod has a ton to offer residents and visitors alike.
A gorgeous area, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors, learn more about the history of the area, and just relax on the beach.
If you’re a resident looking for something to do or a visitor planning a trip, make sure you consider the following.
Check Out the Trails
Whether you prefer to hike, ride a bike, or ride a horse, there are miles of trails available for anyone to use. Check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail for 22 miles of paved trails that will take you through the various ecosystems found in the Lower Cape.
This was known as the Old Colony Railroad Corridor and is now one of the best trails in New England.
Plan to visit more than once, however, if you want to see as much as possible on the trail.
Enjoy a Drive-In Movie
Ready to take a trip back and enjoy a movie from the car?
The Wellfleet Drive-In is one of few drive-in movie theaters left in the US, and they make for a fantastic family outing.
There are two movies each night during the summer months plus have snacks, a mini-golf course, and a playground, so it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the evening.
Visit a Wildlife Refuge
Take a tour of a wildlife refuge to get a chance to see some of the protected areas in Cape Cod as well as animals and birds common in the area.
The Monomoy National Wildlife refuge is the perfect place to spend the day or an afternoon if you’d like to see what the natural Cape Cod area has to offer.
Plan to spend at least a few hours at a wildlife refuge, however, as you’ll want to stop and take in the amazing views.
See the Museums
Museums abound in the Cape Cod area, so there are plenty of choices.
Try the Heritage Museums and Gardens to learn more about the history of the area, the evolution of the car, American folk art, and more.
Plus, you’ll be able to check out the gorgeous gardens, which are sure to be awe-inspiring.
There’s also the Sandwich Glass Museum, Edward Gorey House, and many other monuments or museums to check out.
Head to the Beach
If the goal is to spend the day relaxing in the sun, check out the beaches.
Don’t forget to make a stop at the Cape Cod National Seashore, as it offers some of the best beaches in Cape Cod.
This includes more than 40 miles of beach, so there’s plenty of room to enjoy the day and relax with the perfect view.
Services Available for Cape Cod Residents
Cape Cod residents have access to a variety of professional services.
We offer dumpster rentals for any Cape Cod residents, whether they’re moving into the area, getting ready to move out, or have lived here their whole life.
We love to welcome in new residents and home buyers and can help them get everything organized and remove the clutter before they start to put everything in the new home.
We also offer Dumpster rental cape cod to people who want to declutter before selling their home or those who are looking to get rid of anything they don’t need to keep their current home neat and clean.
If you’re looking for a Roll off dumpster rental cape cod, let our team of professionals help you.
We can make sure the entire process is as easy as possible for you, so you can focus on the things that matter more.
Cape Cod is an area known for its rich history, gorgeous natural landscaping, stunning beaches, and much more.
If you’re a current resident or moving to the area, there is plenty to see, do, and learn about.
If you do ever need help cleaning out the house, we offer Dumpster rentals cape cod to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Call us today Plymouth Dumpster Rental NBD by Precision Disposal to get the help you need and to make sure you get the job done fast, so you have more time to enjoy the beautiful area