History of Orleans, Massachusetts, USA

1693 - Orleans is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1797 - Orleans is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Orleans
Orleans, Massachusetts
Barnstable county. Orleans was taken from Eastham in 1797. It extends across a narrow part of Cape Cod, and is indented with coves and creeks on both sides. Stage harbor opens on the east through Chatham and Nauset beaches, which extend along the coast:—between which and the town is Pleasant bay, with several islands. In 1837, there were 33 vessels belonging to Orleans engaged in the cod and mackerel fishery, the tonnage of which was 2,310 tons. They took 20,000 quintals of cod fish and 600 barrels of mackerel. There were 31,000 bushels of salt used, and 264 men and boys were employed. The value of fish taken, when cured and packed, was $91,100:—capital invested, $33,000. There are 50 establishments for the manufacture of salt in the town; during the year ending April 1, 1837, there were 21,780 bushels made. There are also manufactures of palm-leaf hats, leather, boots, shoes and tin ware. Orleans lies 20 miles E. from Barnstable. Population, 1830, 1,799; 1837, ... Read MORE...

1845 - ORLEANS. [Pop. 1,974. Inc. 1797.]
Orleans was formerly the south part of Eastham.

The town is very irregularly shaped, has a small harbor on Massachusetts Bay, and an agreeable arm of the sea, called Pleasant Bay, at the southeast.

The soil is sandy and barren, and the inhabitants are engaged in the fisheries, and the manufacture of salt.

Chatham Beach, a long spit of land, extends south about 12 miles, and its annual increase, by the action of the Atlantic Ocean, has been calculated.

Distance from Barnstable, 20 miles ; from Boston, by land, 85.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Orleans
Orleans, a post-township in Barnstable co., Massachusetts, 77 miles S. E. by E. from Boston. Population, 1848.
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.

Orleans Massachusetts, 1890
Orleans is a farming, fishing and manufacturing town in the outer line of Cape Cod, in Barnstable County, 94 miles from Boston by the Cape Cod Division of the Old Colony Railroad. The town is about five miles north and south, and three east and west. The assessed area is 5,025 acres. From Eastham, on the north, it is separated by Rock River, flowing into Cape Cod Bay; and by Town Cove and Nauset harbor, opening into the ocean. On the ocean side is Nauset Beach, a long and narrow strip of land enclosing Pleasant Bay, which separates it from Chatham on the south. It has many creeks and inlets containing pleasant islands. Brewster lies on the southwest, and Cape Cod Bay on the northwest.

The creeks and bays abound in clams, quahaugs, tautogs, bass and eels. In 1885, 77 persons were reported as fishermen, and the product of the business amounted to $6,256. The largest items of the catch were in order as follows: clams, quahaugs, bluefish, cod and mackerel. One schooner and three sloops ... Read MORE...

1895 - Orleans
Orleans, a post-village in Orleans township, Barnstable co., Mass., on the Atlantic Ocean, and on the Old Colony Railroad, 94 miles S.E. of Boston. It has 3 churches and a high school. Pop. of township, 1373.
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
Orleans, a post-village in Orleans township (Town), Barnstable co., Mass., on the Atlantic Ocean and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 94 miles SE. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1123; of the village, about 450.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Orleans:
1. Nauset Beach:
Start your visit with a trip to Nauset Beach, one of the most stunning beaches on Cape Cod. Enjoy a day of sun, surf, and maybe even some seal watching.

2. Cape Cod Rail Trail:
If you enjoy biking, the Cape Cod Rail Trail is a must. It's a scenic path that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area.

3. Rock Harbor:
Head to Rock Harbor for picturesque views, especially during sunset. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or to try your hand at some fishing.

4. Orleans Historical Society Museum:
Discover the rich history of Orleans at the local museum. It's a small but informative museum that provides insights into the town's past.

5. Skaket Beach:
Skaket Beach is another beautiful spot, known for its calm waters. It's a great place to take a long walk, collect shells, or just relax by the shore.

6. Orleans Firebirds Baseball:
If you're visiting during the summer, catch a baseball game featuring the Orleans Firebirds.... Read MORE...