Introduction to Falmouth, Massachusetts
Falmouth, Massachusetts, in Barnstable county, is 17 miles E of New Bedford, Massachusetts and 60 miles SE of Boston, Massachusetts. The town is in the Barnstable - Yarmouth area.
Falmouth History
English colonists settled in Falmouth in the year 1660. Settler Bartholomew Gosnold named the town "Falmouth" after his home town of Falmouth in Cornwall, England. The city was officially incorporated in 1686, when the principal economy revolved around farming, salt works, whaling, shipping, and sheep husbandry. The War of 1812 left its mark on Falmouth, as part of the city was bombarded by British frigates and ships of the line. The advent of trains in 1872 led to the establishment of the first summer homes. Today, the population of Falmouth decreses by over 50 percent during the winter months. The improvement of Falmouth's highways in the early 1900s led to a rapid development of the city. Falmouth is also famous as the birthplace of Katharine Lee Bates, the lyricist of "America the Beautiful."
Falmouth and nearby Attractions
- The Old Stone Dock
- Falmouth Townhall
- Falmouth Historical Society
- Morse Pond
- Wesley Church
Things To Do In Falmouth
Travelers to Falmouth can pay a visit to the museums and art galleries in and around the city, like the Falmouth Historical Society, the Sandwich Glass Museum, the Cape Cod Children's Museum, and the Etherington Fine Art building. There are a number of other historical places like the Old Stone Dock and the Falmouth Townhall that one can visit. Falmouth also has quite a few beautiful creeks and lakes which make for ideal destinations to spend a day out with family and friends. There are many parks in the city, incluidng the Marine Park and the Fuller Field that offer amusement opportunities for adults and children alike. Every August, Falmouth is also home to the Falmouth Road Race, a 7.1 mile race that hosts over 8,000 people every year.
Falmouth Transportation
Air transportation is available from Marthas Vineyard Airport, after a short ferry ride back to Cape Cod.
Falmouth Higher Education
University Of Massachusetts-Dartmouth serves the area.
