Eastham Information
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The Town of Eastham is a coastal resort community straddling the arm of Cape Cod. Located on the lower Cape, the town is bounded on only two sides by land, the other two being water, the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Pre-colonial stands of oak and pine were long ago harvested for fuel and ship building and the terrain of the town is now heavily salt marsh and sand. Dissatisfied with Plymouth, in 1644 the directors of the Colony sent a seven-man delegation to scout Eastham for a new site for the center of government. The decision was not to move, but the seven members of the delegation brought their families and established a new town. The town has several harbors and these and the abundant shellfish are probably what brought these early settlers from the Plymouth Colony. The settlers’ economy was based on agriculture, fishing and salt making, but Eastham’s summer resort history began as early as 1830 when the Methodist Church established a summer camp meeting ground in town. The coming of railroad connections in 1870 stimulated local market gardening and Eastham specialized in cranberries and asparagus for the city markets. Eastham had cod and mackerel fisheries and oysters to ship north. The town’s harbors were not as good as those of other communities in the area, so agriculture remained more important to the town in the 19th century than did maritime trades. Grain production was abundant enough to allow Eastham to export her grain, while industry was never a real factor in the town. Residents note, however, that Swift and Company meat packers began in Eastham before moving to Chicago. Some original landscapes are still visible in the section of town inside the National Park areas, while intensive modern residential growth has taken place in other areas of town.
Town Location
Southeastern Massachusetts, on the forearm of Cape Cod. Bordered by Wellfleet on the north, the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Orleans on the south, and Cape Cod Bay on the west. Eastham is about 25 miles east of Hyannis; 92 miles southeast of Boston; 96 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island; and 273 miles from New York City. Town offices are located at 2500 State Highway, Route 6A, Eastham, MA 02642. The main number is 508-240-5900.
| Name | Address | Google Map Directions | Town/Village | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kembali A Tulen Center for Wellness | 4730 State Hwy Route 6 (Willys gym) | N. Eastham | Spa, Mind-Body-Spirit center for holistic body and spiritual growth. | |
| Little Capistrano Bike Shop | Salt Pond Rd | Eastham | No Description Available | |
| Nauset Light | Cape Cod National Seashore | Eastham | open each year for tours every Sunday July through October as well as several dates in May and June. We also now have Wednesday tours in both July and August | |
| Old Coast Guard Station | Eastham | built in 1937 and currently stands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, being used as an education center. | ||
| Old Eastham Windmill | Town Green at Route 6 and Samoset Road | Eastham | the oldest working historical windmill on Cape Cod, and is still occasionally used to grind corn. Tour hours are limited and vary, so it is best to call to get details | |
| Poit's Lighthouse Mini Golf | 5270 State Highway Route 6 | N. Eastham | mini gold - video arcade - snack bar | |
| Salt Pond Visitor Center | 2.8 miles from the Orleans rotary on Route 6 | Eastham | recreation of a Native American village - exhibits that elucidate the varied array of natural and cultural characteristics that are central to the history and nature of the Cape Cod region - bookstore and theater | |
| T-Time Family Fun Sports Center | Route 6 | North Eastham | Fun for the whole family. Offers a driving range, and a number of other activities | |
| Willy's Gym & Fitness Center | 4730 State Highway 6 | Eastham |
