Introduction to Orleans, Massachusetts
Orleans, Massachusetts, in Barnstable county, is 36 miles E of Plymouth, Massachusetts and 67 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. The town is conveniently located inside the Barnstable-Yarmouth metropolitan area.
Orleans History
The first permanent European settlers were pilgrims from the Plymouth colony who were unhappy with the small, infertile land that had been allotted to them. They arrived in Orleans in 1693, when it was a part of the southern parish of Eastham. In 1787, Orleans was incorporated. Orleans was named after Louis Philippe II, the Duke of Orleans, on account of France’s support to the colonies during the American Revolution.
Orleans and nearby Attractions
- Cape Museum of Fine Arts
- Josiah Dennis House
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- French Cable Station Museum
- Zooquarium
- Skaket Beach
Things To Do In Orleans
Nearby museums include the Cape Cod Discovery Museum, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and the Cape Museum of Fine Arts. Historical sites include the Josiah Dennis House and the Seth Nickerson House. The French Cable Station Museum, located in Orleans, was an important American landmark during World War I. Local beaches include Skaket Beach and Nauset Beach.
Orleans Transportation
Boston Logan International is the nearest major airport.
Orleans Higher Education
Nearby colleges and universities include Bridgewater State College, the University of Massachusetts, Massasoit Community College and Quincy College.
