History of Dennis, Massachusetts, USA

1639 - Dennis is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1793 - Dennis is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Dennis
Dennis, Massachusetts
Barnstable county. This town crosses the cape, and was taken from Yarmouth in 1793. Population, 1837, 2,750. It lies 8 miles E. by N. from Barnstable and 7 W. from Harwich. The first salt produced by solar evaporation in this country was made in this town, by John Sears and others, in 1776. About 7,000 tons of shipping belong to this town, principally engaged in fishing and coasting, and all manned by natives of the town. Bass river, rising from a pond, affords a small water power. 150 ship-masters belong to this town, sailing from various ports in the Union. The products of the cod and mackerel fishery, in one year, amount to $50,899. The manufacture of common salt, Epsom salts, vessels, and lampblack, amounted to $25,975.
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 - DENNIS. [Pop. 2,942. Inc. 1793.]
Dennis was named after its first minister; and was formerly the eastern part of Yarmouth.

The town extends across the peninsula, North and South Dennis being on the opposite sides.

Most of the inhabitants are concerned in navigation, the fisheries, or the manufacture of salt, which last important business is said to have been first attempted in Dennis.

The soil is sandy, and the highest hill in the county is in this town.

Distance from Barnstable, 8 miles; from Boston, by water, 60.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Dennis
Dennis, a post-township of Barnstable county, Massachusetts, 60 miles S. E. from Boston. The fisheries furnish the principal occupation of the inhabitants. Population, 3257.
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.

1871 - Dennis, Mass., has elected four ladies upon its School Board.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 11, 1871

Dennis Massachusetts, 1890
Dennis is a somewhat crescent-shaped town in the midst of Barnstable County, extending from one shore to the other of Cape Cod. Its east side is a straight line to near Cape Cod Bay, on whose margin the township has an eastward projection. Brewster and Harwich bound it on that side, and Yarmouth on the west. The assessed area is 6,864 acres. This includes 870 acres of oak and pine woods; the latter having been extensively planted here on tracts which would otherwise have been sandy wastes.

The Old Colony Railroad has a station near the middle of the town, and one at the eastern line. The post-offices are Dennis, Dennis Port, and East, South and West Dennis. Other villages are Searsville and South Village. The scenery is diversified by several beautiful ponds, which, in all, cover an area of about 450 acres. Swan Pond, of 179 acres, is the largest, and sends a little river of the same name southward into the sea. Bass River is the largest stream on Cape Cod, and furnishes some power ... Read MORE...

1895 - Dennis / Dennisport / East Dennis / South Dennis / West Dennis
Dennis, a post-township of Barnstable co., Mass., is bounded on the N. by Cape Cod Bay, and on the S. by the Atlantic Ocean. It is intersected by the Old Colony Rail road, and contains villages named Dennis, Dennisport, East Dennis, South Dennis, and West Dennis. It is a part of the peninsula of Cape Cod. Pop. 3369.
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
Dennis, a post-village of Barnstable co., Mass., in Dennis township (town), 1 mile from the sea and 70 miles by water SE. of Boston.
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

2023 - Dennis has something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Mayflower Beach: Start your visit with some beach time at Mayflower Beach. This pristine stretch of sand is famous for its tidal flats and stunning sunsets. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks along the shore.

Cape Cod Museum of Art: Explore the Cape's vibrant art scene at the Cape Cod Museum of Art. You can view a diverse collection of artworks created by local and regional artists. The museum also hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Scargo Tower: Hike up Scargo Hill to reach Scargo Tower, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for a picnic and some fantastic photo opportunities.

Dennis Village Green: Stroll through Dennis Village Green, a picturesque park in the heart of town. It's a great place for a leisurely walk, and you might even catch a local event or farmers' market if you're visiting during the right season.

Cape Playhouse: If you're a theater enthusiast, don't... Read MORE...