Barnstable (village), Massachusetts facts for kids
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Barnstable is one of seven villages in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, in the United States. It's located on the north side of the town, along a historic road called "Old King's Highway" (Massachusetts Route 6A). This village is home to the main offices for Barnstable County. You'll also find a small area with shops, a busy harbor, and a few small beaches here. Barnstable Village has many interesting places to visit, like the Sturgis Library, the Olde Colonial Courthouse, the Barnstable Comedy Club, and the Trayser Museum.
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Fun Places to Visit in Barnstable
Barnstable Village is a very old and important place in the town of Barnstable. It has many historic homes, some built in the mid-1800s. You can also find the famous Cummaquid Golf Club here. The Barnstable Comedy Club and the Trayser Museum are also popular spots.
Sturgis Library: A Really Old Library!
The Sturgis Library was built way back in 1644. It was first the home of Reverend John Lothrop, who started the town of Barnstable. This building is one of the oldest houses still standing on Cape Cod. It's also the oldest building in the United States that still holds a public library!
Reverend Lothrop used the front room of his house for church services. This means the Sturgis Library is also the oldest building in America where religious services were regularly held. This special room is now called "The Lothrop Room." It has cool wooden beams on the ceiling and wide, pumpkin-colored floorboards. These features show what old Cape Cod houses looked like.
The Olde Colonial Courthouse: Where History Happened
The Olde Colonial Courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses in the United States. It's made of wood and has a lot of history. In 1774, important court meetings were happening here. But then, James Otis, Samuel Adams, and about 1,500 other people protested!
They were upset because the King's government was trying to take away the colonists' right to a jury trial. Because of their protest, the King's judge decided to stop holding cases. This courthouse was used by the state until 1838. Today, it's a museum and hosts "Tales of Cape Cod," which is a fun attraction for visitors.
Barnstable Comedy Club: Laughs for Decades!
The Barnstable Comedy Club is a very special place. It is the oldest and longest-running community theater in all of Massachusetts. People have been enjoying plays and performances here for many years!
Trayser Museum: A Look at Coast Guard History
The Trayser Museum used to be a building where customs duties were collected for the county. Now, it's a Coast Guard Heritage Museum. You can learn all about the history of the Coast Guard here. On the museum grounds, there's even an old jail. You can still see graffiti left by the people who were held there! This jail dates back to 1690.
Crocker Tavern: A Historic Meeting Spot
Barnstable Village is also home to the Crocker Tavern. This building was constructed around 1754. It is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Crocker Tavern was once a stop for stagecoaches. It was also an inn where travelers could stay. Most importantly, it was a key meeting place until the mid-1800s.
Cornelius Crocker, who was one of the richest men on Cape Cod, was the first person to run the tavern. Under his care, the inn became a central spot for American patriots. Important figures like James Otis met here before and during the Revolutionary War.
