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The City
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Yarmouth, Massachusetts, takes its name from the English town of Great Yarmouth in the County of Norfolk in England. It was once part of the Plymouth Colony, an English colony which existed from 1620 to 1691 and was one of the first English colonies established primarily for religious reasons rather than economic ones. The individuals who settled the Plymouth Colony were known as Pilgrims, and their famed voyage on the Mayflower and landing at Plymouth has become an integral part of American lore.
Prior to its occupation by American settlers, the area was heavily populated by tribes of the Wampanoag. By many accounts, early dealings between the settlers and the native inhabitants were peaceful and spawned the traditional Thanksgiving holiday that is celebrated in the United States to this day. In the late 17th century, the relationship between the Wampanoag and English settlers became tenuous and led to wars between the two groups that would shape the colony's future population.
Established in 1639, Barnstable County incorporated the town of Yarmouth, which initially thrived as a farming community focused on sheep, cattle, and pigs. By the late 1800s, Yarmouth captains began to ferry merchants across the Atlantic, participating in the China Trade. Many of these captains later settled in Yarmouth, where they spent their time ashore.
The economic climate and the landscape of Yarmouth once again underwent a transformation in the late 1800s when developers began to look for ways to capitalize on the beauty of the Cape in an effort to draw tourists to the area. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of hotels and vacation homes were constructed in Yarmouth, followed by a proliferation of residential development.
The tripartite town of Yarmouth is located just 30 minutes from Plymouth and 75 miles from Boston. While commercial development is mostly concentrated along Route 28 in West and South Yarmouth, you can get a glimpse of the town’s early history by traveling along Old King’s Highway in Yarmouth Port, home to many historic buildings, including the former residences of ship captains.
Yarmouth blends its rich history with modern amenities, creating a unique charm within Cape Cod. The town has carefully preserved its natural beauty and historic sites — stretching from Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound — while offering modern comforts. Visitors and residents enjoy Yarmouth’s pristine beaches, scenic forests for hiking, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's no surprise that many choose to make Yarmouth their second home in this historic yet lively part of the Cape.
Prior to its occupation by American settlers, the area was heavily populated by tribes of the Wampanoag. By many accounts, early dealings between the settlers and the native inhabitants were peaceful and spawned the traditional Thanksgiving holiday that is celebrated in the United States to this day. In the late 17th century, the relationship between the Wampanoag and English settlers became tenuous and led to wars between the two groups that would shape the colony's future population.
Established in 1639, Barnstable County incorporated the town of Yarmouth, which initially thrived as a farming community focused on sheep, cattle, and pigs. By the late 1800s, Yarmouth captains began to ferry merchants across the Atlantic, participating in the China Trade. Many of these captains later settled in Yarmouth, where they spent their time ashore.
The economic climate and the landscape of Yarmouth once again underwent a transformation in the late 1800s when developers began to look for ways to capitalize on the beauty of the Cape in an effort to draw tourists to the area. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of hotels and vacation homes were constructed in Yarmouth, followed by a proliferation of residential development.
The tripartite town of Yarmouth is located just 30 minutes from Plymouth and 75 miles from Boston. While commercial development is mostly concentrated along Route 28 in West and South Yarmouth, you can get a glimpse of the town’s early history by traveling along Old King’s Highway in Yarmouth Port, home to many historic buildings, including the former residences of ship captains.
Yarmouth blends its rich history with modern amenities, creating a unique charm within Cape Cod. The town has carefully preserved its natural beauty and historic sites — stretching from Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound — while offering modern comforts. Visitors and residents enjoy Yarmouth’s pristine beaches, scenic forests for hiking, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's no surprise that many choose to make Yarmouth their second home in this historic yet lively part of the Cape.