Sign in Using FacebookHyannis Guide » More About Hyannis: Interesting Facts
Interesting Facts
- While Hyannis is a primary player in the Cape Cod vacation arena, it is actually part of the larger town of Barnstable. Within Barnstable's sixty square miles lie six other villages in addition to Hyannis, including Centerville, Marstons Mills, Osterville, Cotuit, West Barnstable, and, of course, Barnstable itself.
- The main home of the Kennedy compound in Hyannisport actually entered into the family as a rental cottage in 1925. Three years later, Joseph and Rose bought the home and had it enlarged for an eventual nine children. Over the years, other members of the family bought nearby homes, and the compound grew. It is now the site of Kennedy vacations, weddings, and retreats and is best viewed via harbor cruises.
- As in older days, Hyannis's Village Green is the gathering spot for civic celebrations and town events. Its benches provide a quiet place to take a reflective break, and the bandstand hosts musicians for village parties and concerts. Military memorials also pay tribute to veterans at this open space on Main Street.
- If you want to explore all of Cape Cod, don't forget to head out to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. These islands south of the mainland offer wonderful architecture, rambling roses, and beautiful ocean vistas. Folks can catch a flight or a ferry from Hyannis to both islands. Schedules vary depending on the season.
- Given its proximity to the sea, it's no surprise that Barnstable was a strong player in nautical endeavors. Not only did folks in the region fish and raise oysters, they also built ships, went whaling, and even reclaimed salt from seawater. In the 19th century, hundreds of shipmasters were based in the area, sailing out into the world from Barnstable, Hyannis, and environs.
- With the appearance of the railroad in 1854, the focus of Hyannis turned more inwards. Trade came and went via land as well as sea, and folks could journey to the coast more easily than ever before. Sailing ships lessened in prominence, tourism increased, and the area's heightened role of resort destination overshadowed its status as outpost village.
- Although Hyannis gains its strongest association from the Kennedy family, and especially JFK, he wasn't the first US president attracted to Cape Cod. In the late 19th century, Ulysses S. Grant took advantage of the spot's charms, and Grover Cleveland also found much to enjoy in this coastal region of Massachusetts.
- Barnstable offers plenty of opportunity for recreation. The general region stretches north to Cape Cod Bay and south to Nantucket Sound. This broad area, and the coasts' individual formations, guarantee a wealth of territory to enjoy. In fact, Barnstable boasts approximately 100 miles of public beaches for visitors and residents to explore in their leisure hours.
- Fishing is ideal on this part of Cape Cod. Saltwater species pass by the Cape during their annual migrations, and folks cast off from boats and from the coast to catch their favorites. Ocean-dwelling specimens include flounder, blue, and the ubiquitous cod. Freshwater fish, found in many local streams and lakes, include an abundance of trout and perch.
- While historians lift up patriots like John Adams, Patrick Henry, and and Paul Revere, they don't often mention James Otis, Jr. This West Barnstable native, attorney by trade, worked for the nation's freedom by questioning British rule and making impassioned speeches against taxation without representation. In 1769, he was attacked by a group of Englishmen and injured to the point of losing his sanity. In 1783, he was then struck by lightning and killed, but by that point, the break with Britain had been made irreparable, thanks in part to Otis's gallant, patriotic efforts.
Eat Out and Save Money!
