Hyannis Port, Massachusetts facts for kids
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Hyannis Port (or Hyannisport) is a small, quiet village in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, USA. It's a popular summer community located right on Hyannis Harbor. This charming village is about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) southwest of the bigger town of Hyannis.
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Exploring Hyannis Port
Hyannis Port is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful coastal views. It's a place where many families enjoy their summer vacations.
What Can You Find in Hyannis Port?
Even though it's a small village, Hyannis Port has a few important spots. There's a small post office (with ZIP code 02647) where you can send letters. Right next door, you'll find a small shop called The News Shop and Gallery. This shop is open mainly during the summer months.
For those who love sports, Hyannis Port is home to one of the best golf courses on Cape Cod, called the Hyannisport Club. There are also two special clubs for residents: the West Beach Club and the Hyannis Port Yacht Club. These clubs are great places for people to gather and enjoy the summer.
Summer Services and Scenery
During the summer, two churches hold Sunday services for the community. These are St. Andrew's-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and the Union Chapel.
You can also find a unique wooden walkway, called a catwalk, that leads to Halls Island. From this catwalk, you can see amazing views of Nantucket Sound and the nearby golf course. It's a great spot to enjoy the ocean breeze and the scenery.
The Kennedy Family's Connection
Hyannis Port is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Compound. This is where several members of the well-known Kennedy family have lived. Because of its historical importance, the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Homes of a Famous Family
Within the Kennedy Compound, there are three main houses that belonged to different family members:
- Rose's House: This was the home of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.
- Jack's House: This belonged to John F. Kennedy, who later became a U.S. President.
- Ethel's House: This was the home of Ethel Kennedy.
Another Kennedy family member, Ted Kennedy, had a house nearby, but it was not part of the main compound. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy lived a very long life. She was 104 years old when she passed away, making her the oldest resident in the town of Barnstable at that time. The Kennedy family's presence has made Hyannis Port a significant place in American history.
A Look at the Population
Hyannis Port is mostly a summer community. This means that many of the homes are used only during the warmer months.
How Many People Live Here?
According to a U.S. Census taken on April 1, 2000, there were 193 housing units in Hyannis Port. However, only 46 of these homes had people living in them all the time, making the year-round population about 115 people. The other 147 housing units were empty for most of the year. About 76% of the homes were used only for seasonal visits, recreation, or occasional stays. This shows that Hyannis Port truly comes alive in the summer!
