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Non-Resident Taxpayers Non-Resident Taxpayer Association Wellfleet Forum Wellfleet Forum Home Page Herring River Restoration Project Herbicide Issues Wind Turbine Projec |
Sheraton Boston | Boston Marriott Long Wharf |
Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel Courtyard By Marriott Boston Downtown Hyatt Regency Boston Cambridge |
Wellfleet Bulletins & Public Notices
7.22.11
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Wellfleet's Bathing Beach Sampling Program
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7.20.11
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Give Pints for Half-Pints Blood Drive August 11
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7.11.11
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Pay As You Throw and Single Stream Recycling Task Force Members Wanted
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7.7.11
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Iris's Cafe Menu for July and August
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6.21.11
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Board and Committee Volunteer Application
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6.15.11
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Oystering in Wellfleet - NYT Travel Section Clip
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6.14.11
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Hurricane Preparedness Tips
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6.6.11
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Wellfleet and Harwich Dispatch Report
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Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront
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Wellfleet Today | History of Wellfleet | Photo Gallery |
Wellfleet Today
(from Mass Department of Housing and Community Development community profile and Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce)
Wellfleet, located on Cape Cod, is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to the Cape Cod National Seashore Headquarters, which showcases the stunning coastal landscape. Additionally, the town boasts the Massachusetts Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning over 1,000 acres.
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall
Courtyard By Marriott Boston Logan Airport
Embassy Suites By Hilton Boston At Logan Airport
Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Boston Downtown
Fishing enthusiasts will find Wellfleet to be a haven for various fishing opportunities. Whether it's ocean surfcasting, freshwater pond fishing, or exploring Cape Cod Bay by boat, the town offers a range of options to satisfy every angler's passion. Wellfleet is especially famous for its abundance of shellfish, including the renowned "Wellfleet Oysters."
One of the highlights of Wellfleet is its enchanting freshwater ponds. These serene bodies of water glisten under the early sunlight, and their small sandy beaches radiate joy in the late afternoon as the surrounding pine trees cast their shadows on the water. Indulging in a day spent on the expansive backshore beach followed by a leisurely swim in the warm waters of one of the kettle ponds is a true luxury that Wellfleet provides.
History of Wellfleet
(from "Setting A Course for the Future", the 1995 Local Comprehensive Plan) |
Doubletree By Hilton Boston Bayside
Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport
Omni Boston Hotel At The Seaport
In the early 18th century, the residents of Billingsgate sought to form their own town, but the petition for incorporation was initially denied. However, in 1723, the North Precinct of Eastham was established, covering the area between Hatches Creek and the Truro line. Finally, in 1763, the General Court officially recognized the North Precinct as the separate district of Wellfleet. The name was chosen in the hopes of benefiting from the association or confusion with the renowned Wellfleet oysters of England.
Over the course of its history, Wellfleet's economy transitioned through farming, fishing, and commerce, with services becoming significant due to retirees, non-resident homeowners, and tourists. The sandy soil and limited resources posed challenges to agriculture, leading to a decline in farming activities. However, Wellfleet Harbor, known for its abundant fish and oysters, thrived as a whaling industry hub during the 1700s, bringing prosperity to the town. Unfortunately, the Revolutionary War and subsequent British blockade resulted in the decay of the whaling fleet and the end of Wellfleet's prominence as a whaling port.
Ac Hotel By Marriott Boston Downtown
During the 19th century, Wellfleet experienced a flourishing fishing industry, becoming one of Massachusetts' leading fishing ports. The local shellfishermen also contributed to the town's economy by importing oysters from various regions, planting them in the harbor to acquire the renowned Wellfleet flavor, and harvesting them for the Boston market.
However, the decline of the mackerel fishery in the late 1800s led to the cessation of schooner sailing from Wellfleet Harbor by 1900. Nevertheless, the shellfish industry remained active, with native oyster production gradually increasing. The fluctuating harvests of oysters, quahogs, clams, scallops, and sea clams continued to play a significant role in the town's economy.
The emergence of Wellfleet as a tourist destination began in the early 20th century, with the construction of the Chequesset Inn by L.D. Baker. This development helped reverse the decline in prosperity and population that had started in the late 19th century. However, growth was slow due to the Great Depression and only gained momentum after World War II with the construction of the Mid-Cape Highway.
The establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961 had a profound impact on preserving Wellfleet's character amidst the rapid growth experienced elsewhere on Cape Cod. The designated boundary of the Seashore covers a significant portion of Wellfleet's land, including vital ecosystems such as kettle ponds and the Herring River basin. The management policies of the National Park Service contribute to the protection of these resources, shaping the town's development patterns and helping to maintain its traditional settlement areas.
As a result, most new development in recent decades has been concentrated near the town's established residential and commercial centers, while Wellfleet has retained its distinct character thanks to the influence of the National Seashore.
Photo Gallery |
(Photographs provided by the Town of Wellfleet)
Cahoon Hallow Beach |
Cape Cod National Seashore |
Central Village |
Fishing Boats in Wellfleet Harbor |
Gull Pond |
Herring River Dike |
Wellfleet Historical Society Museum |
Scenic Rural Road |
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary |
White Cedar Swamp Trail |
Wellfleet Harbor |
Chequessett Yacht and Golf Club |