Eastham
Overview
- Beaches - Points
of Interest - Schools - Chamber
of Commerce - Eastham Lodging
Overview
 Eastham is bordered to the west by the
Cape Cod National Seashore. Its eastern boundary is First Encounter
Beach, named because the Pilgrims historically first encountered Native
Americans there. Route 6 runs through the center of town with its
collection of motels, restaurants and gift shops.
The gateway to the 44,000-acre National
Seashore is Salt Pond Visitor Center. It contains whaling exhibits,
early artifacts like scrimshaw and features the Fresnel lens once used
in Nauset Light. The facility also includes a bookstore and auditorium.
Across the road is Eastham's Historical Society Museum accented with a gateway
made from whale jawbones.
From the visitor center paved roads and
trails extend to Coast Guard and Nauset Light Beaches, which both mark
the start
of National Seashore shoreline stretching 30 miles to Provincetown.
One of the Cape's most photographed nautical landmarks, Nauset Light,
also resides here. Built in 1838, the lighthouse was recently moved
further inland due to coastal erosion.
Just south along Route 6, another popular
site is the oldest working windmill on Cape Cod. Built at Plymouth in
1680, it was moved to this site in 1793. Another site of historical
significance is the Swift-Daley House, built in 1741. The full-cape home
contains period furniture and antique clothing. An antique tool exhibit
is located behind the main house.
Beaches
- Campground Beach
- Coast Guard Beach
- Cooks Brook Beach
- First Encounter Beach
- Nauset Light Beach
- Sunken Meadow Beach
- Thumpertown Beach
|
|
Points
of Interest
- Coast
Guard Beach Station - This
building sits overlooking the cliffs and shoreline extending from the
base of Coast Guard Beach. Originally built in 1905, it was pushed back
to the parking lot in 1936 due to excessive dune erosion. The beach is a
magnet for summer visitors. Located at the end of Doane Road off Route
6.
- Nauset Light - The most
photographed lighthouse on Cape Cod, this edifice stands 114 feet above
the Atlantic. Surrounded by natural dunes and cliffs covered with
wildflowers and shrubbery, its beach is popular for sunbathing and
swimming in the summer. Located at the end of Cable Rd. off Route 6.
- Fort Hill - An amazing hike and
must-see for visitors to the area. The path and boardwalk stretch 1 ½
miles past historical town remnants - old homesteads, stone gateways and
orchards. Finally, the trail winds into the most scenic section through salt marshes full of various wildlife. Located on Fort Hill Road
off Route 6.
- First Encounter Beach - An
exploring party of Pilgrims clashed with Nauset Indians at this site in
the 1620s. A plaque was erected to commemorate the conflict. Located on Samoset Road.
- Eastham Windmill - Located in the
center of town just off Route 6, this 319-year-old structure still
operates and is the oldest windmill on Cape Cod. Constructed in 1680 at Plymouth,
it was moved here in 1793.
- Doane Homestead - A plaque remains
at this site where a homestead was constructed by some of the first
English settlers in Eastham. In the 1600s, the town was known by its
Indian name: Nauset. The plot is located off Doane Road near the Salt
Pond Visitor Center.
- Penniman House - A unique example
of 19th Century Victorian architecture. Huge whale rib bones
mark the
entrance to this home built by Whaler Captain Edward Penniman in 1876.
Located on the route to Fort Hill.
- Schoolhouse Museum - Built in 1869
as the town's school, this building is now operated by the Eastham
Historical Society. It holds many of Eastham's most valuable historical
documents and relics. Located on Nauset Road off Route 6.
- Salt Pond Visitor Center - Gateway
to the Cape Cod National Seashore, this complex marks the starting point
for many Seashore multi-use trails. It features exhibits including the
original Fresnel lens from Nauset Light and scrimshaw artifacts. Located
right on Route 6 across from the Eastham Historical Society Museum.
Schools
- Eastham Elementary
School
200 Schoolhouse Road, Eastham
- Nauset Regional High
School
100 Cable Road, N. Eastham
<< Return to previous page
|
