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16
UPPER CAPE
Bourne
Sandwich
Mashpee
Falmouth
Woods Hole
The Upper Cape towns are a fascinating mix of descendants of
the earliest settlers, including the Wampanoags – and those summer
people who "got sand in their shoes" and came back to stay.
Bourne flanks the Cape Cod Canal; birders, boaters, and cyclists
enjoy the many hiking paths and nature trails along it
Incorporated in 1638, Sandwich is the Cape's oldest town. Nine
buildings in the historical district date from the 17th century, and
14 were built in the 18th century. It is one of the most perfectly
preserved colonial enclaves remaining on Cape Cod.
Long before the Pilgrims arrived on Cape Cod, the Massipe tribe
of the Wampanoags lived, farmed, and fished in the area now
called Mashpee – which remains an example of the blend Cape's
original habitants and the newcomers who shared their lands.
Falmouth features 11 harbors and the longest coastline of any
Cape town – beautiful beaches and great boating abound.
Falmouth's Village of Woods Hole is home to the Oceanographic
Institution, the world's largest independent ocean research,
engineering, and education organization.
