History of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, USA

1639 - Yarmouth is settled and incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Yarmouth
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Barnstable county. Yarmouth extends across Cape Cod, and has a good harbor on each side. There are several ponds in the town, from which issue a small stream, called Bass river, and from which a small water power is derived. The soil of the cape here becomes thin, sandy and unproductive. The people of this town are principally devoted to the fishing business, coasting trade, and the manufacture of salt. There are, however, some manufactures of vessels, cordage, leather, cabinet and tin wares, chairs, boots and shoes. Some sheep are kept, but the agricultural productions are small. A large number of vessels are engaged in the coasting trade, and in 1837, 13 vessels, of about 50 tons each, were employed in the cod and mackerel fishery: the product, that year, was $26,622.

During that year there were in operation in this town, 52 establishments for the manufacture of common salt, and 4 for the manufacture of Epsom salts. The quantity of common salt made was... Read MORE...

1845 - YARMOUTH. [Pop. 2,554. Inc. 1639.]
Yarmouth extends across the peninsula, and has a harbor on each shore, they being about 4 miles apart.

The soil is light and sandy, and much of the land begins to look desert, being unfenced.

The people are extensively engaged in the manufacture of salt, and in the fisheries.

There are several ponds from which a small stream called Bass River issues, and runs south.

Distance from Barnstable, 4 miles ; from Boston, by water, 60.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Yarmouth
Yarmouth, a post-township in Barnstable county, Massachusetts, extends across Cape Cod, 70 miles S. S. E. from Boston. The inhabitants are largely engaged in the manufacture of salt and in the fisheries. In 1851, 14 vessels and 169 men and boys were employed in the mackerel fishery. The quantity of mackerel inspected during the year, was 3235 barrels. Population, 2595.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

Yarmouth Massachusetts, 1890
Yarmouth forms a section of the southern part of Cape Cod, in Barnstable County, 75 miles southeast of Boston by the Old Colony Railroad, which passes through the midst of the town; its Hyannis Branch skirts the western border.

The township extends from Barnstable Bay (forming the northern portion of Cape Cod Bay) on the north to the ocean on the south. Dennis bounds it on northeast and east, and Barnstable on the west. A peninsula of peculiar form, called Point Gammon, projects far into the sea from the southern shore, marking very nearly the middle of the south side of Cape Cod, and enclosing Lewis Bay, which lies westward. This body of water and a mill stream at the north mark the western boundary of the town; while Chase-garden River flows between it and Dennis on the north, having, at its confluence with the bay, a small harbor called Bass Hole. A series of connected ponds called Bass River lie along nearly the entire eastern side, flowing southward, affording a very good... Read MORE...

1895 - Yarmouth
Yarmouth, a post-village in Yarmouth township, Barnstable co., Mass., near the ocean, 76 miles S.E. of Boston, and 1 mile from Yarmouth Station of the Cape Cod Railroad. It has a high school, a carriage-factory, a bank, a newspaper office, and 4 churches. The township is a part of the Cape Cod peninsula, and is bounded on the N. by Cape Cod Bay. It contains a larger village, named Yarmouth Port. Pop. of the township, 2264.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Yarmouth, a post-village in Yarmouth township (town), Barnstable co., Mass., near the Atlantic Ocean, 60 miles (direct) SE. of Boston. The town is part of the Cape Cod peninsula and is bounded on the N. by Cape Cod Bay. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1682.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

2023 - Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Yarmouth:
Bass River Beach: Start your visit to Yarmouth with a day at one of its beautiful beaches. Bass River Beach is a popular choice, known for its calm waters and picturesque setting. It's an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Seagull Beach: Another fantastic beach option in Yarmouth is Seagull Beach. It's a larger beach with ample parking and facilities, making it a great choice for families. The soft sand and gentle waves make it perfect for building sandcastles and playing beach games.

Cape Cod Inflatable Park: If you're traveling with kids or just want a fun day out, head to the Cape Cod Inflatable Park. This amusement park features a variety of inflatable rides, obstacle courses, and slides, providing hours of entertainment for all ages.

Cape Cod Rail Trail: Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22-mile-long bike path that passes through Yarmouth. Rent a bike and explore the scenic landscapes, including forests, ponds, and cranberry... Read MORE...