An Overview And Tourist Guide For Orleans, Massachusetts

Some historical facts about Orleans, Massachusetts: The history of Orleans, Massachusetts dates back to1693 when pilgrims from Plymouth Colony shifted their settlement due to lack of proper cultivable soil. I n 1797 it was officially incorporated. The name Orleans itself has a history behind it. Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orleans helped and cared for 13 colonies in the American Revolution .The towns people did not want another English name as they were subjected to English rule twice. Their settlement was based on fishing and agriculture. Later salt industry was opened. In the late 19th century railroads were set up and wood could be brought from other parts to develop Orleans. Tourism industry also grew with the introduction of railway and a 3200 mile long transatlantic cable. Later President John F. Kennedy built Cape Cod National Seashore there and it brought in many tourists.

Places of interest in Orleans, Massachusetts

There are many places of interest in Orleans, Massachusetts. Some of these places of general interest have been discussed below:

1. Nauset Lighthouse is one of the most iconic old lighthouses built in the country of United States. It is 48 feet tall and has been created out of cast iron plates and bricks. It was built in 1877 and it was placed in Chatham. There was another similar one there. Later it was shifted to Eastham in 1923. It alone replaced three small lighthouses which were known as three sisters of Nauset. In 1998, Mary Daubenspeck donated the Lighthouse to National Park Service. The lighthouse was shifted to 2 Nauset Light Beach Rd, Eastham, MA 02642.Tourists can visit it during weekdays.

2. French Cable Station Museum is situated inland of the Orleans cove. One can still find original instruments that were once used to build the French transatlantic telegraph cables. In 1869 French cables were first laid, it ran from Le Minou to St Pierre. The cables that came to US were arranged and organized in French Cable Station at Orleans Cove. This not only helped to establish strong and stable communication between North America and France but also relay stock-market details. It was used to keep track of Battalions fighting in World War I. Many exhibitions are also organized here to inform the tourists about the history of French cable.

3. The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History was set up on Brewster, Massachusetts in the year 1954. It is a 17000 sq. feet construction built over a huge area of 80- acres. Two floors of the museum are dedicated to exhibitions about the exclusive flora and fauna of Cape Cod. This includes several indigenous birds and many special of aquatic fishes and crustaceans. There are many exhibitions that are oriented for children and can help them learn more about the Cape Cod. Some interactive programs like Wednesday Walks are arranged to take the tourists to certain places of the cape.

4. Yak Arts Intl is situated on 21, S Orleans Rd, Orleans, MA 02653. It has unusual and interesting items that interest the tourists. There are many remarkable items that are put on sale and tourists might consider buying one as souvenir.

When traveling to Orleans buy a good quality policy that provides trip protection to cover any unplanned incidents or trip cancellation or interruption.

Click here to find out more about the Town of Orleans and for more info on Massachusetts visit the Massachusetts vacation site .