Chatham, Cape Cod Scenic Landmarks
Chatham Fish Pier
The Chatham Fish Pier, at the corner of Shore Road and Barcliff Avenue on Aunt Lydia's Cove, is a constant source of interest to our summer visitors. The members of the fishing fleet make their run each suitable day to the fishing grounds from 3 to 100 miles off Chatham. Their catch consists of haddock, cod, flounder, lobster, pollock, dogfish and halibut. The one-day fresh fish is placed in ice and transported in refrigerated trucks to the New York, Boston, New Bedford and local markets, reaching there less than 24 hours from the time it is taken from the ocean. The boats start returning to the pier shortly after noon, depending upon the tide. You may watch from the visitors balcony - be sure to bring your camera. Please observe local traffic and parking regulations while at the Fish Pier. Parking in upper lot for visitors, lower lot by permit only.
Chatham Lighthouse
You will find few spots on the entire East Coast of North America that can equal the view at The Light. Drive down Main Street to the lighthouse and park for a spell. You will meet many of your friends. You will see many cars from nearly every state as you gaze over the majestic Atlantic. For a close-up view try the public telescopes. Nearby is the Coast Guard Station ready to answer many emergencies involving distressed mariners, fishermen, or summer folk with problems on the water. Please observe and obey the parking signs as posted there. This is a fine spot to view the well-known Breakthrough in North Beach. Lighthouse Tours are offered during the season and at First Night. Please visit the Community Calendar for schedule or call (508) 430-0628. To view and print a copy of the Cape Cod Lighthouse Trail, please click on the following link.
Conservation Trails
our residents and summer visitors have long been known of the delightful physical characteristics of Chatham, such as the beaches, marsh and wetlands and meadows. Preservation of these resources is a benefit to our economy, our fisheries, wildlife and flora, a fact now recognized to a greater extent in the past few years by Federal, State and Local authorities. Chatham is fortunate in having in addition to the Town Conservation Commission, a privately operated organization in the Chatham Conservation Foundation, Inc., (104 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633), dedicated to the preservation of these valued areas. The Foundation, chartered in 1962, is in the hands of five year-round residents, as Trustees, Officers, and Executive Committee without salary.
Many gifts of wetlands and marshlands have been donated to this organization and others obtained by purchase. To date, more than 540 acres have been put into conservation so our residents and visitors may enjoy them. Walking trails are maintained in four areas. Please refer to the map on pages 12-13 for the starting points of the four trails described below. A highlight of the Foundation's work in the field of education is their second publication, "A Beachcomber's Botany", 158 pages with 113 illustrations by Marcia Gaylord Norman, and text by Loren C. Petry, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University. It is a valuable guide to the interesting plant life in the marshes, along the shore and the upland. Copies are available at a nominal cost directly from the Foundation Headquarters (see Mayo House), across from the Information Booth, or at several bookstores and gift shops.
Trail #1: FROST FISH CREEK TRAIL Orleans Road (Route 28) Acme Laundry area. North Chatham heading toward Orleans take left onto dirt road just after closed laundry, just before creek running under road. Trail proceeds west along creek and marsh. At end of trail you may take left, proceed approximately 45 feet and take path up ridge to return to parking area via ridge path. Ridge somewhat difficult walking, so you may retrace entry route. Woods, marsh, and field plant life. birds. 45 minutes to 1 hour, 16 acres.
Trail #2: BARCLAY PONDS TRAIL - Old Queen Anne Road and Training Field Road. Entrance to trail is at Yield Sign, 20 feet south of telephone pole #38 in intersection. Park in field (Crowell's Pit) north of entrance. Quiet, woodsy walk some up and down hill. Approximately 1/2 hour, 12 acres.
Trail #3: HONEYSUCKLE LAND, OFF STAGE HARBOR ROAD - Bottom of hill, left side of road are two short trails leading to the Old Ice Pond. Many water birds are generally seen in this area. Right side of road near telephone pole and along side of narrow stream, a short walk featuring white cedar trees. Also, leading to other trails in and around the Cedar Swamp, which is mostly owned by the Town of Chatham.
Trail #4: GEORGE RYDER ROAD, SOUTH TRAIL - Opposite West Chatham A&P and George Ryder Road, take George Ryder Road South to first right (Harold's Lane). Take first right off Harold's Lane (Ralph Street) onto short paved road ending in a dirt road. Entrance to walk is on your left. Ralph Street is the bog owner's entrance to his working cranberry bog. Please don't block entrance or neighbor's driveways. Woods, cranberry bogs, brackish marsh. Approx. 15 minutes, 2.5 acres
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Fisherman's Monument
Several years ago a committee was formed from our community to recognize the Chatham fishing industry in our town. It was decided by this committee to plan and erect a monument to this unique industry at the Chatham Fish Pier. Following an international competition with about 100 entrants, the committee narrowed the selection to a final three which were submitted to all in our fishing community for a final selection. The winning choice was designed by Sig Purwin - an artist and sculptor from Woods Hole, MA. It was dedicated in June 1992. The monument, entitled The Provider, features a strong hand pulling a fishing net from the sea with multi-fish and shellfish indigenous to Chatham caught in the net.
Visit the monument at the Chatham Fish Pier. It shows our pride to our people in the fishing industry-always changing to remain the same - proud, independent, and providers to the world of the best seafood available from the Atlantic Ocean!
Monomoy Wildlife Sanctuary
Chatham is a mecca for bird enthusiasts. In autumn, Cape Cod is a veritable trap for birds of numerous species. Its temperate climate attracts many birds through the winter when most have winged south. The summer months see the migration at its height. Chatham, with Monomoy Island, affords unexcelled opportunity to observe many species, both rare and common. Nearly every species recorded from New England has been seen at some time in this area. The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a link in the chain of migratory waterfowl refuges along the Atlantic Flyway.
Access is by short boat trip from Chatham, and local boat charters are available. The refuge provides nesting, feeding and resting grounds for a known 285 species. This is one of the most famous and productive ornithological points on the Atlantic seaboard. Massachusetts Audubon Society's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary conducts guided natural history tours of Monomoy throughout the year. Call (508) 349-2615 for information or reservations. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, (508) 896-3867, also offers guided tours to Monomoy Island including overnight stays at the restored lighthouse on South Monomoy.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge consists of North and South Monomoy Islands and a portion of Morris Island. The nearly 3,000 acre refuge stretches approximately ten miles southward into the waters of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Ninety-four percent of Monomoys acreage was designated a Wilderness Area in 1970, and is managed under the guidelines of the Wilderness Act of 1964. It is the only Wilderness Area in southern New England.
To reach the headquarters on Morris Island, take Route 6 east to Route 137 south to Route 28. A left turn takes you through downtown Chatham (about 3 miles.) Turn right at the stop sign, to the Chatham Lighthouse and Coast Guard Station. Take the first left after the lighthouse, then the first right. Follow Morris Island Road to signs for the Refuge on the left.
All persons using the Refuge are asked to comply with local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances, as well as with the following conditions:
1. Public use of designated trails within the Refuge for wildlife observation, study, and photography is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Surf fishing on Morris Island is permitted 24 hours.
2. On Morris Island, pets must be on a short hand-held leash during the entire visit. No pets are permitted on the Monomoy Islands.
3. Motorized vehicles are restricted to the entrance roads and parking areas.
4. Hunting, shooting, fires, and camping are not permitted. Use of small barbecue grills is permitted on open beach areas only.
5. Entry into closed areas is prohibited. Portions of the Refuge are seasonally closed to protect sensitive wildlife from human disturbance. Signs mark these areas.
6. The disturbance, destruction, or removal of wildlife, vegetation, and facilities are prohibited.
This is your Refuge, but not only yours. Enjoy it, and please do nothing to harm it.
Samuel de Champlain 1606 Voyage Commemoration Monument
Landing in what is now Chatham in 1606, Champlain, the French cartographer who played a key role in the exploration of North America, stayed two weeks before relations with the native Wampanoag nation deteriorated and a skirmish left four French and many more Monomoyicks (those natives living directly in this area) dead. A monument dedicated to Champlain is located on Champlain Road.
Parks
The Park and Recreation Commission has jurisdiction over the several parks in Chatham. The charm of Kate Gould Park, near the center of town, is enhanced on Friday evenings during July and August when as many as 6,000 gather for concerts by the widely known Chatham Band. Chase Park, on Cross Street, adjoins the Grist Mill and also contains a bowling green, picnic tables and a comfort station. Adjoining the traffic rotary on Main Street is the William Nickerson Memorial Park. On the site of a former commercial building, the park was a joint effort of the town, the Chatham Improvement Association, and Friends of Trees.
Playground
Although it has a smaller footprint than the old Robert Leathers playground, the new metal and plastic playground includes just as many features and carries on the nautical theme of the old structure. Major components include the lighthouse, a boat, a fishing net and several ride-on fish. The play area is covered with woodchips and a path runs through the center to provide handicapped access
Historic Places in Chatham, Cape Cod
The town of Chatham and its dramatic coastal setting are abundantly blessed with memorable and historic features beloved of visitors and many recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. A rich and full visitor’s itinerary would include:
Chatham Bars Inn
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic, Chatham Bars Inn is the last of the grand hotels of Chatham. Built in 1914 as an elegant hunting lodge by Charles Hardy, a wealthy Boston stockbroker, it quickly became a summer retreat for wealthy vacationers escaping the heat of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other large cities. Designed by Boston architects Harvey Bailey Alden and William H. Cox, it boasted of long distance telephones and salt water baths in each room.. Its splendid seaside location winds across 25 acres of blooming gardens and cottages that encircle the stately Main Inn, a true Grand Dame. Today the Inn still exudes elegant charm and is an ideal setting for romance, restful retreat, or family holiday. Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Old Village” National Register Historic District (Chatham)
Established in 2001, the Old Village District protects more than 300 historic properties – approximately 85% of its structures – from demolition and substantial alteration. Residents work cooperatively to protect the oldest section of town.
Chatham Historic Business District (Downtown Main Street)
With buildings dating back to the mid-1800s, Main Street is the visually cohesive, true commercial and social center of town. National Register of Historic Places.
Louis Brandeis House
The summer home of the U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1916-1939) and namesake of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. National Register of Historic Places.
Brick Block
Built on Main Street in 1915 by Charles Hardy, the Boston stockbroker who also built the Chatham Bars Inn. Designed in the half-timber English Tudor style, the Brick Block building originally housed the post office and a local bank and was for many years considered the center of town activities. National Register of Historic Places.
Chatham Railroad Company Depot
A striking example of Victorian-era architecture, the railroad depot was the stepping off – and on – point for riders of the old Chatham Railroad, which served the town with a seven-mile strip of railway from 1887-1937. Today the depot houses the Chatham Railroad Museum, including relics from the era, a 75-year-old caboose from the New York Central system, and a diorama of the Chatham train yards of 1915. National Register of Historic Places.
Chatham Gristmill
Located in Chase Park, the wind-powered gristmill was built by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey in 1797 to grind local corn. Originally located along Stage Harbor Road, the gristmill was in active commercial operation until 1898. National Register of Historic Places.
Eldredge Public Library
Designed in the Renaissance/Romanesque style by A. Marble, a student of the renowned 19th-century architect Henry Hobson Richardson, this architectural jewel was completed in 1896. National Register of Historic Places.
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center
The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center , built in 1914 by Nobel Prize Winner Guglielmo Marconi to house the Wireless Telegraph Company of America Receiving Station after the original beach site in South Wellfleet was threatened by sea erosion. Marconi sold the Station to RCA in 1920 and it became the largest and most active ship-to-shore station on the east coast, playing a part in nearly every headline-grabbing sea and air event of the early 20th century. The station, comprised of ten buildings, stands almost completely intact from its glory days. The Town of Chatham is currently in the midst of completing a master plan for the fifteen acre campus’ historic preservation and ultimate reuse, focusing on non-profit organizations promoting maritime, educational, historical and affordable housing to occupy the station’s buildings. National Register of Historic Places.
Monomoy Point Lighthouse
Located on the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, the Monomoy Point Lighthouse, now decommissioned, is one of the earliest cast-iron lighthouses in America, constructed in 1823. National Register of Historic Places.
Chatham Light and Coast Guard Station
Probably the most famous tourist attraction in town, with a weather-wracked history that never gets old. The first two wooden lighthouses that were erected in 1808 were torn apart by storms. These were replaced in 1841 by two brick lighthouses that lasted until an 1870 Nor’easter stirred up the Atlantic, until surf broke through the barrier beach and washed away the bluff, crashing the lighthouses into the sea. The current single lighthouse was built in 1877. Some 5,000 tourists visit the Chatham Light each year, taking in the Atlantic “South Beach” overlook, which gives fascinating views of the Cape Cod National Seashore, historic fishing camps, ever shifting sandbars and beach, rolling surf, and the fishing fleet coming and going “through the break” in the sand bars, caused by a 1987 storm. National Register of Historic Places.
David T. Bassett House
The captain of a two-masted schooner was the first known resident of this historic home in the 1840s, which now houses the Visitors Center managed by the Chatham Chamber Of Commerce.
Home to the Chatham Historical Society, the original part of the house was built in 1752 by Captain Joseph Atwood when he was still a subject of King George II. The main house remains unchanged. It houses extensive collections of art, artifacts and decorative arts which portray life on the Cape since the 17th century.
Mayo House
Located on Main Street at the center of town, this 1820 home is a perfect example of traditional “Cape Cod” design. The Mayo house is furnished with period furniture and open to the public mid-June through September, as well as during the Christmas Stroll Weekend. The house serves as the headquarters for the Chatham Conservation Foundation.
Caleb Nickerson House and William Nickerson Cabin Site
Run by the Nickerson Family Association which boasts 900 active members around the country and 109 annual reunions. Nickerson progenitor William Nickerson was the first to purchase land in what is now Chatham from the native tribe, and also founded the first house of worship in town. Caleb Nickerson, great-great-grandson of William, was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. The Nickerson house remains in original condition, featuring three working fireplaces including a beehive oven, original iron cranes, period woodwork and hand-hewn, random-width pine floors. Extensive early genealogical records stored on property are available for public study. Educational events on colonial life are scheduled during the spring, summer and autumn. The site was honored with the 2005 Preservation Award from the Historical Commission and Chatham Historical Society.
Squanto Commemorative
The famous Native American who saved the first Plymouth pilgrims from starvation and taught them to plant native crops, died at the site of the William Nickerson cabin. Squanto had been in the area to purchase corn from Monomoyick natives for the pilgrims, and after falling ill was taken to the Nickerson cabin. A marker commemorates the site.
Main Street School
Constructed in 1924, the school housed all twelve grades until 1963. It finally closed in 1998 and is now being restored. This major project focuses on preserving and enhancing the historical character of this town landmark, while creating a new Community Center featuring meeting and recreational space, a gymnasium and a teen center.
Chatham Fish Pier
A true working pier, the Chatham Fish Pier is where the local professional fishermen bring in their catch. Visitors can catch the sights, sounds and scents of the action from a prominent observation deck. The Pier is a port for Coast Guard rescue boats, one of the three local commercial seal watch operations, as well for forays to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and sport fishing departures. The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman’s Association provides guides at the Fish Pier to educate visitors about Chatham’s strong maritime history and long fishing heritage while also focusing on environmental issues and scientific fisheries management.
Monomoy Theater
A professional theater since the 1930s, the Monomoy was purchased in 1957 by the family of Ohio University President John Baker to provide performing arts graduate students with a venue for semi-professional experience. One of the last true summer stock theaters in America, the troupe now features Ohio University students as well as outstanding young talent and professionals actors from across the country. Still owned by the Baker family, the theatre will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007 with a ten-week summer season of eight plays including one musical.
Chatham Drama Guild
At 75 years old, it is the second oldest community theater on Cape Cod, producing dramas, comedies and revues year-round.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Chatham is an unparalleled destination for bird watching, affording unexcelled sites to observe the region’s 285 known species, some of which are extremely rare. The island stretches nearly ten miles into the water of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic. Its nearly 3,000 acres of sand dunes, ponds and marshes protect numerous avian species, including endangered piping plovers and roseate terns. The only nationally designated Wilderness Area in southern New England, a designation it has held since 1970, Monomoy is an important link in the chain of migratory waterfowl refuges along the Atlantic Flyway.
North Beach and the Cape Cod National Seashore
The barrier North Beach is a favorite destination, by auto or boat, for locals and tourists alike. Rustic fish camps dot the beach which separates the open Atlantic from Pleasant Bay and North Chatham. The National Seashore designation dates from the 1950s, when then-Senator John F. Kennedy helped enact legislation to protect the area of beaches that run along the Atlantic from Chatham to Provincetown. Chatham’s North Beach is the southernmost piece of this national treasure. Bare-bones fishing camps – no running water or electricity – are protected by grandfather provisions in the laws governing the seashore. The camps have been owned by the same private families that created them and may not be sold.
