Barnstable, MA

Barnstable, MA Barnstable was settled in 1638 and incorporated in 1639, making it one of the earliest towns established on Cape Cod. Named for Barnstaple in Devon, England, the town developed along both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. Agriculture, fishing, shell fishing, salt production and maritime commerce supported its early communities, while Barnstable Harbor connected local residents with ports throughout New England and beyond.

The Town of Barnstable is composed of seven villages: Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, Osterville and West Barnstable. Hyannis grew into the town’s largest village and principal commercial, transportation and maritime center, later becoming closely associated with the Kennedy family and their Hyannis Port home. Today, Barnstable’s historic houses, churches, burial grounds, working harbors and coastal landscapes preserve the varied stories of the communities that have shaped the town for nearly four centuries.