National Register Listing

Atwood, Thomas, House

a.k.a. Atwood-Higgins House

NW of Wellfleet on Boundbrook Island, Wellfleet, MA
Quoting Higgins,
"This is a record of what I have done to restore the old family homestead, Boundbrook Island, Wellfleet, Mass.. as well as an effort to properly record by years the history of all additions such as buildings, fences, water supply and improvements as they occurred, and to supply a guide providing reliable information to those who follow after." Thus wrote George K. Higgins in a preface to his invaluable documentary on the restoration of his ancestral home. He says further... "the house (belonged) to my great grandmother and great grandfather, Mercy and Thomas Atwood....Captain Edward B. Atwood...gave me this old house in 1919. Neglected and almost abandoned since the death of Thomas Atwood in 1873, the old house, when I came to it, showed all this too plainly. The nearest approach by car stopped at the end of Pamet Point Road."


From this point across the meadow to the island was passable only by horse and wagon. Six inches to ten inches of water usually covered the meadow and road.

On this historic island, the original site of the Town of Wellfleet, lived and died many of those brave and hardy souls that wrote some of our early history...." Quoting Higgins further:
"An old house is a constant care. Captain Atwood ran this house back to 1680 but said it was even older Antiquarians in my time have dated it 1650 minus. It was a half-house before it was a whole (double) house. It once no doubt bore an outside chimney. The east half is much older than the west half. Reading the history and expansion of the Bay Colony causes me to believe 1635-40 would be fairly accurate. Thomas Atwood bought it in 1805 for $396.96."

An interesting historical note states that "the first vessel built in Wellfleet of which we have any record was the schooner Freemason, built under the hill below the Thomas Atwood place on Boundbrook Island about 1800. This craft was of 100 tons burden......"

Another historical note: If the original homestead dates as early as 1635, the original builder not only lived among Indians, but probably lived here without permission of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth--the Fathers were very jealous of their authority to grant settling on Cape Cod. Eastham itself was not settled until 1644. However, George E. Willison in the history of the Pilgrims (Saints and Strangers), Chap. XXI, says, regarding families moving to Nauset on Cape Cod in 1644..." the leaders in the agitation (to have their land rights respected) had already staked out fields and started buildings on the Cape, and insistently asked permission to proceed, which at
length was granted.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Massachusetts random facts
Barnstable County, located in southeastern Massachusetts, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag Tribe, who had a strong presence in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European colonizers.

In the early 17th century, settlers from England, including the Pilgrims, established the Plymouth Colony, which encompassed a portion of what is now Barnstable County. This marked the beginning of European settlement in the area. Over time, more colonists arrived and settled in Barnstable, with the town being officially incorporated in 1639.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, agriculture, fishing, and whaling became important industries in Barnstable County. The region's fertile soil supported the growth of crops such as corn, wheat, and barley, while its proximity to the ocean allowed residents to engage in fishing and whaling activities. Shipbuilding also thrived during this period, contributing to the local economy and sustaining the maritime tradition.

In the 20th century, tourism became a significant industry in Barnstable County. Cape Cod and its picturesque beaches, quaint towns, and charming lighthouses attracted visitors from all over the country. As a result, the county experienced significant growth and development, with the population increasing and the economy diversifying to accommodate the tourism industry.

Today, Barnstable County remains a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. It continues to honor its past through the preservation of historic landmarks and the celebration of its cultural heritage, while also embracing innovation and progress in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and education.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Barnstable County, Massachusetts.

  • 1685 - Barnstable County is established by the Plymouth Colony.
  • 1700s - The county experiences rapid growth due to its favorable location for trade and fishing.
  • 1774 - Barnstable County actively participates in the Revolutionary War against British rule.
  • 1801 - The Cape Cod Canal is opened, connecting Cape Cod to the mainland and boosting trade and transportation in the region.
  • 1830s - The whaling industry becomes a major economic driver in Barnstable County.
  • 1860s - Barnstable County contributes significantly to the Union cause during the American Civil War.
  • 1900s - The tourism industry begins to flourish in Barnstable County, attracting visitors to its scenic coastlines and historic towns.
  • 1914-1918 - Barnstable County sends many soldiers to fight in World War I.
  • 1950s-1960s - Cape Cod experiences population growth and development, leading to increased suburbanization.
  • 2000s - Barnstable County adapts to the challenges of climate change and works to preserve its natural resources.