Introduction to Chatham, Massachusetts
Chatham, Massachusetts, in Barnstable county, is 41 miles SE of Plymouth, Massachusetts and 73 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. The town benefits from easy access to the nearby cities and towns that it shares the Barnstable-Yarmouth metropolitan area.
Chatham History
Native Americans lived in the area now known as Chatham for at least 10,000 years before the French unsuccessfully tried to capture it in 1606. In 1656, the English purchased stretches of land in the area from the Native Americans. It was named Monomoit, but since it had no resident minister and an insufficient population to support to a church, it could not be incorporated officially. After the population grew, Hugh Adams was appointed resident minister in 1711. The town soon petitioned to be incorporated for a second time, and it was accepted provided the town change its name to Chatham, which sounded more English than Monomoit. It was incorporated on June 11, 1712.
Chatham and nearby Attractions
- Cape Cod Discovery Museum
- Josiah Dennis House
- Nickerson State Park
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Chatham Seaside Links
- Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Things To Do In Chatham
Nearby museums include the Old Atwood House Museum, the Chatham Railroad Museum and the Cape Cod Discovery Museum. Harding Beach and Beachcomber Beach are accessible from Chatham as well. The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a popular local spot.
Chatham Transportation
Air transportation is available from Logan International Airport.
Chatham Higher Education
Nearby colleges and universities include the University of Massachusetts, Bridgewater State College, Massasoit Community College and Quincy College. In addition to these, many online colleges offer degree programs to students in Chatham and the surrounding areas.