West Barnstable, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Barnstable
|
|
|---|---|
|
Village
|
|
Massachusetts Route 6A in West Barnstable
|
|
.svg)
Location of ZIP code 02668 West Barnstable within the Town of Barnstable, county, and state
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Barnstable |
| Town | Barnstable |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
02668
|
West Barnstable is a village located on the coast in the northwestern part of Barnstable. This town is in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, in the United States. West Barnstable was first settled in 1639. It was originally part of the nearby village of Barnstable. In 1717, it became its own separate village. This happened when the local church split into two different parishes.
Today, West Barnstable is mostly a residential area. It also has many historic buildings and places. Long ago, people in West Barnstable mainly focused on farming.
Contents
Cool Natural Places to See
West Barnstable has some amazing natural spots. One of them is the six-mile long Sandy Neck Barrier Beach. This beach helps protect the huge Great Marshes. The Great Marshes were very important long ago. They provided "salt hay" which attracted the first English settlers in the mid-1600s.
Famous People from West Barnstable
It's pretty cool that West Barnstable produced four important leaders in the 1700s. Back then, the village only had about 500 people!
James Otis: A Patriot Leader
James Otis was a key thinker for the American Revolution. He was born near the Great Marshes. James Otis helped lead the movement for independence in Boston. His ideas were very important before the War of Independence.
Mercy Otis Warren: Writer and Activist
James Otis's sister, Mercy Otis Warren, was also born in West Barnstable. She became a political activist. Mercy was one of the first women writers in the country. She also wrote important history books. She is even a member of the Women's Hall of Fame!
Lemuel Shaw: A Top Judge
Lemuel Shaw was another famous person from the village. He was a very important judge. From 1830 to 1860, he was the chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. He was known as one of the best judges in the early United States. He helped shape many important laws.
The fourth famous native was Captain John "Mad Jack" Percival. He reached the highest rank in the U.S. Navy. He fought in four different wars! In 1844, he saved and fixed the famous U.S. ship, the Constitution. Then, he sailed this old ship all the way around the world. It was the only time the Constitution ever sailed around the globe.
What West Barnstable is Like
The 1717 Congregational meetinghouse is a main part of the village. It has been fully restored and is called West Parish of Barnstable, UCC. The Old Village Store is also in the center of town. It's a historic and popular spot for people who live there.
Sandy Neck Beach is the biggest beach in the mid-Cape area. It is located right in the village. Most of West Barnstable includes Sandy Neck and the Great Marsh/Barnstable Harbor. It also has the popular West Barnstable Conservation Area.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Finnish immigrants moved here. Even today, the eastern part of the village is called "Finn Town." The area near the West Barnstable Train Station is known as "Shark City." People say this is because of card players who used to hang out there.
Learning and Education
West Barnstable is home to Cape Cod Community College. This is the only college on Cape Cod itself. The village also has the Cape Cod Conservatory of Music, Art, Drama & Dance.
Getting Around: Transportation
West Barnstable used to have train service. The Cape Codder train stopped here from 1986 to 1996. However, this service is no longer available. From the 1800s until 1964, passenger trains served the town. These trains included the Day Cape Codder and the Neptune.
