History of Chatham, Massachusetts, USA

1665 - Chatham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1712 - Chatham is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Chatham
Chatham, Massachusetts
Barnstable county, lies on the elbow of Cape Cod, south side. Pleasant bay, inside of Chatham beach, forms a good harbor. Chatham is 20 miles E. from Barnstable, and 32 S.S.E. from Provincetown. Incorporated, 1712. Population, 1837, 2,271. The value of the cod and mackerel fisheries, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was $56,100;—value of boots and shoes made, $1,500. There are, belonging to this place, about 20 sail of fishermen and 30 coasters.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - CHATHAM. [Pop. 2,334. Inc. 1712.]
Chatham was called, by the Indians, Monamoy.

Between the sand-hills are numerous ponds, and one hill, called Great Hill, is a prominent object from the ocean.

A spit of land, proceeding from Orleans, forms a considerable bay north of Chatham, and defends both Orleans and Chatham from the ocean.

This spit is evidently extending southwardly, and the sand has gradually been filling up the harbor of Chatham.

Though the soil is mere sand, the town is thrifty, the people being largely engaged in commerce, the fisheries, and the manufacture of salt, from sea-water, as usual, by evaporation in the open air.

Distance from Barnstable, 22 miles ; from Boston, by land, 77.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Chatham
Chatham, a post-township of Barnstable county, Massachusetts, 80 miles S. £. from Boston. Population, 2439.
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.

1859
CHATHAM, a township in Barnstable co., in the state of Massachusetts, on the SE point of Cape Cod. Its inhabitants are chiefly employed in the fisheries and coasting-trade. Pop. 2,334.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Chatham Massachusetts, 1890
Chatham occupies the extreme southeastern angle alike of Cape Cod and of Barnstable County; and, being indented by numerous coves, harbors, creeks and inlets, is, topographically, one of the most irregular towns in the Commonwealth. It has Pleasant Bay, separating it from Orleans, on the north; the ocean on the east and south; and Harwich on the west. The assessed area is 4,476 acres, in which there are but 275 acres of wood-land. It has 512 dwelling-houses, with 2,028 inhabitants, who are hardy and industrious people; more than half the number of voters (601) being engaged in maritime pursuits.

The surface of the town is varied by a succession of sand-hills (often changing), villages, creeks and fresh-water ponds. Of the last there are more than thirty; and several of them during the summer are covered with the beautiful white lily. Goose Pond, containing 66 acres, is the largest. Nauset Beach is a long, sandy strip of land, that extends for many miles between the mainland and the ... Read MORE...

1895 - Chatham
Chatham, a post-village of Barnstable co, Mass., is in Chatham township, and on the ocean, at the southeastern point of the peninsula called Cape Cod,7 miles E. of Harwich Railroad Station, and about 20 miles E. of Barnstable. It has a high school, a newspaper office, 4 churches, a tolerable harbor, and is supported mainly by navigation and fisheries. Pop. of the township, 2274. The township contains a hamlet named South Chatham.
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

1916
Chatham, a poet-village of Barnstable co., Mass., in Chatham township (town), on the Atlantic Ocean, at the southeastern point of Cape Cod peninsula, 18 miles E. of Barnstable, with which it is connected by the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. It is supported mainly by navigation and fisheries and is visited by summer tourists. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1749.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Chatham:
Lighthouse Beach:

Start your visit with a trip to Lighthouse Beach. It's a beautiful spot with stunning views of the Chatham Lighthouse. Perfect for

Chatham Lighthouse:

Climb to the top of the Chatham Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and town. It's a historical landmark and a great way to learn about the maritime history of the area.

Chatham Bars Inn:

If you're looking for luxury, Chatham Bars Inn is the place to be. Even if you're not staying there, you can enjoy a meal at one of their restaurants or have a drink while overlooking the ocean.

Main Street Shopping:

Explore the charming Main Street filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafes. It's a perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge:

Nature lovers should check out the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. It's a haven for migratory birds, seals, and other wildlife. Guided tours are available.

Cape Cod Shark Adventures:

If... Read MORE...