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 At the confluence of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, Chatham is at once surrounded and defined by the sea. Explorer Samuel de Champlain anchored in Stage Harbor in 1606, before there were any permanent English settlements on Cape Cod, naming the harbor Point Fortune. Once ashore, Champlain and his men were dissuaded from settling due to rather hostile Natives and a shallow harbor. First named Monomoyick after an indigenous Native American tribe, Chatham was subsequently—and rather poetically—christened “first stop of the east wind.” Whether this be true or not is a matter for conjecture by meteorological experts, but, from a marketing and imagery standpoint, the phrase works. Squanto, the English-speaking Native American who helped the Pilgrims survive by instructing them on how to fish and farm, also helped them negotiate a treaty with Sachem Massasoit. He died in Chatham while on a mission for the Colonists and is buried here, in sight of Chatham Light. William Nickerson, a farmer from Norfolk, England, who had a reputation as one of the Colony’s most unscrupulous real estate operatives, purchased more than 4,000 acres—most of what now comprises Chatham—from the Sachem Mattaquason, next to whose wigwam he built his own house on Ryder’s Cove in 1656. The purchase price: just about what was paid for the island of Manhattan. Business dealings aside, the two men remained lifelong friends. Nickerson eventually gained possession to the purchased land, it was not without fierce acrimony from other Colonists and family members. Nickerson, reputation aside, was also a visionary who foresaw Monomoyick as a self-governing town. This was denied because the town lacked a minister. Notwithstanding the denial, Nickerson managed the town sans legitimate town status, which was ultimately granted in 1712, after Reverend Hugh Adams came to mind the town’s flock. The name was also then changed to Chatham. Chatham prospered during the 18th and 19th centuries with an economy based upon fishing, farming, transportation and manufacturing. Today, while fishing is still a vital component to the town’s economy, tourism and real estate are the true underpinnings of present day Chatham. The town is rather off the beaten path—at the Cape’s ‘elbow’—and is fortuitously removed from the general flow of visitors. Chatham has a cohesive town center and comprises several villages—Chatham, South, West and North Chatham and Chathamport. Protected by a sandy barrier, Nauset Beach (one of the Cape’s greats) Chatham is a fishing port with an active fishing fleet. Main Street, Chatham, enjoys the affluent cachet—‘Fifth Avenue of Cape Cod,’ an appellation which is reflected in its upscale boutiques, couturiers, art galleries, antique shops and tony eateries. This is the patriarch of Cape towns, with a genteel reserve which is most evident along this main byway. Outstanding fishing (surf casting and deep sea) is enjoyed by sports anglers, but those preferring to experience fishing sans the tactile head for the Chatham Fish Pier on Shore Road to watch, rather than participate in, the action. In January 1987, a powerful nor’easter broke through the lower end of Nauset Beach, allowing the Atlantic Ocean to surge into Chatham Harbor. This breach of the barrier beach is responsible for strong and dangerous currents and considerable wave action all of which can make both boating and swimming somewhat dangerous. Notwithstanding the ‘Chatham Break,’ as it has been christened, it has brought many visitors into town to observe the phenomenon. Head northeast off Main Street to Chatham Light for excellent seaside panoramas. Rose covered cottages, seaside mansions, whitewashed fences, brilliant sandy beaches, lingering morning fogs, the sturdy clomp of Sperry Topsiders and brilliant Polo shirts billowing in sea breezes and Friday outdoor concerts in Kate Gould Park all welcome visitors to Chatham. Main Beaches: Forest Beach, near Harwich border, South Chatam, has no lifeguard and is popular for boardsailing. Oyster Pond Beach, Stage Harbor Road near Main Street, is a sheltered saltwater pond, restrooms and its attendant hordes of children. Chatham Light Beach, located directly below Chatham Light, is a narrow stretch of sand with swift and changing currents. South Beach, this former island juts out slightly south of Chatham Light, and has dangerous currents and undertow. Great for wading but only for powerful and experienced swimmers. North Beach, this five-mile barrier beach can only be accessed by boat (a water taxi from Chatham Fish Pier will gladly convey you and party for a fee). Monomoy Natural Wildlife Refuge is a preserve which takes in 2,750 acres including the Monomoy Islands, a fragile nine-mile long barrier beach area south of Chatham, was created during a fierce storm in 1958. These islands are a major stop along the North Atlantic Flyway for 285 species of migratory waterfowl and shore birds. North Monomoy has dunes, beach grass, migrating birds and a large summer population of eastern shore birds. South Monomoy, considerably larger, features a wide array of flora and fauna, including deer and seals. Hundreds of harbor seals carpet the coastline from November to May. The Refuge’s visitor center, located on Morris Island, is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Chatham Light, Shore Road and Bridge Street. This 1808 lighthouse replaced the earlier two lights (known as the “Twin Sisters of Chatham”). Exceptional views can be found here and the famous Chatham fogs make it a wonderful aerie for photographers. Chatham Fish Pier, Shore Road and Bar Cliff Avenue. A working pier with an observation deck to provide great views of fishermen and the town’s active fishing fleet in action. The Pier is also the center for commercial and sports fishermen. Old Atwood House & Museum, 347 Stage Harbor Road. This 1752 building, one of Chatham’s oldest, was home to five generations of Atwoods. It has been the headquarters of the Chatham Historical Society since the 1920s. Within the Museum are many historic collections and furnishings, including the Joseph C. Lincoln Room, a repository of the prolific author’s books and memorabilia including murals of artist Alice Stallnecht, an old reflector from Chatham Light, antiques and glass. Summers. The Railroad Museum, 153 Depot Road. Domiciled in the old Victorian Chatham Railroad Company station which was active from 1887-1937 (on the National Register of Historic Places), the diminutive museum exhibits antique railroad equipment and memorabilia. Weekdays May to September. Old Godfrey Windmill, Off Shattuck Place (near Chase Park). Built in 1797 by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey, this wind-powered mill grinds corn. Open Julky and August (closed Tuesdays). Monomoy Theatre, 776 Main Street. Monomoy Theatre. The Cape’s second oldest surviving stage, this former toy factory became an Equity theater in the 1930s. In 1957, it was taken over by the Ohio University Players and is now a mix of students from around the country and returning alumni. The theater seats only 276 patrons, and all have a great view. The Ohio University Players present a different play every week during its summer tenure here. |
