Barnstable County is located in the southeastern corner of Massachusetts and is bordered by Plymouth County to the north, Bristol County to the west, Nantucket Sound to the south, and Cape Cod Bay to the east. The county covers an area of 772 square miles and has a population of 214,879 people as of 2019.
The county is comprised primarily of Cape Cod which is a peninsula made up of 15 towns with scenic beaches and quaint villages. The cape extends from Sandwich in the east to Provincetown in the west and is surrounded by water with Nantucket Sound on one side and Cape Cod Bay on the other. In addition to its many beaches, Barnstable County also features numerous trails for hiking and biking as well as freshwater ponds for fishing or kayaking.
The terrain of Barnstable County varies depending on location. Inland areas feature rolling hills covered in forests while coastal areas consist mainly of sand dunes along with marshes and estuaries that are home to a variety of wildlife species such as osprey, herons, seals, dolphins, whales and more.
Climate wise, Barnstable County experiences four distinct seasons with hot humid summers that can reach temperatures up into the 90s (F) while winters are cold but rarely dip below freezing with snowfall averaging around 30 inches annually in most areas. Spring brings pleasant temperatures with rain showers while fall features cooler air but plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities.
Overall Barnstable County is an idyllic destination for anyone looking to get away from it all whether it be for a weekend or an extended stay. With its picturesque beaches and charming villages combined with its diverse terrain and mild climate year-round it’s no wonder why so many people flock here each year!
Country seat and other main cities in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable County is the southernmost county in Massachusetts and is made up of 15 towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. The county seat is Barnstable which is located in the center of the county on Cape Cod Bay. The town was originally established as a fishing village but now offers a variety of attractions such as art galleries, restaurants and shops.
According to countryaah, the largest city in Barnstable County is Hyannis which lies on the south side of the cape and serves as a major tourist destination due to its close proximity to Nantucket Sound beaches, shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Other notable cities include Yarmouth which is situated along Nantucket Sound offering beautiful views of Martha’s Vineyard; Falmouth which lies on Buzzards Bay with several beaches along its coast; Sandwich located at the eastern tip of Cape Cod; and Brewster located near Cape Cod Bay offering miles of bike trails, ponds for fishing or kayaking and plenty of wildlife.
No matter where you go in Barnstable County you’re sure to find something to do whether it be exploring one of its many beaches, hiking or biking its trails or simply enjoying some delicious seafood at one of its many restaurants. With so much to offer it’s no wonder why this area continues to be such a popular destination year after year!
Note:
According to abbreviationfinder, the 2-letter abbreviation of Massachusetts is MA. MA is widely used as an abbreviation for the U.S. state of Massachusetts, which is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. MA is also used to refer to the postal code for Massachusetts, which is one of only two U.S. states that uses a two-letter postal code (the other being Hawaii). MA can also be seen in the official license plates for cars registered in Massachusetts.
History of Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable County is the southernmost county in Massachusetts and was founded in 1685. The area was initially inhabited by the Wampanoag people who were forced to move out of the area when English settlers arrived. The county was named after Barnstaple, England and was originally composed of five towns – Barnstable, Yarmouth, Sandwich, Eastham and Brewster.
Throughout the 18th century, the county grew in population and economy as it became a major shipping port for goods such as lumber, fish and rum. During this time period it also saw an influx of immigrants from Europe which helped to further diversify its population.
In the 19th century Barnstable County experienced a period of rapid growth with new towns being established such as Falmouth and Bourne. This period also saw an increase in tourism as people flocked to the area to experience its beautiful beaches and picturesque villages.
The 20th century brought further development to the county with more industrialization taking place along with continued growth in tourism. In addition, during this time period many of its towns became popular summer destinations for wealthy families from Boston looking to escape the city’s heat during the warmer months.
Today Barnstable County remains a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike with its diverse terrain, mild climate year-round and plethora of attractions to choose from. With so much to offer it’s no wonder why this area continues to be such a popular destination year after year!
Economy of Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable County has a diverse and vibrant economy that is based on a variety of industries. The county is home to several major employers including Cape Cod Hospital, Joint Base Cape Cod, the US Coast Guard, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. These employers have helped to drive economic growth in the county and provide many jobs for its residents.
In addition to these larger employers, Barnstable County is also home to many small businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, and services. These businesses provide goods and services to both tourists and locals alike which helps to support the local economy.
Tourism is also a major contributor to the economy of Barnstable County. With its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and plethora of attractions, it’s no wonder why this area continues to be such a popular destination year after year! In fact, tourism accounts for approximately 25% of all jobs in the county with visitors spending an estimated $1 billion annually on goods and services while visiting.
The agricultural sector is another major part of the county’s economy with cranberries being one of its most important crops. This industry has been growing significantly over the last few years with cranberry production reaching record levels in recent years due in part to advances in technology such as GPS mapping systems that have allowed farmers greater precision when planting their crops.
Overall Barnstable County has a thriving economy that benefits both locals and tourists alike. Its diverse range of industries helps ensure continued economic growth which provides stability for its residents while also allowing them to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!
