French Cable Hut
E of N. Eastham at jct. of Cable Rd. and Ocean View Dr., North Eastham, MAIn 1869, the French Atlantic Cable Company laid a telegraph cable from Brest, France, to St. Pierre, Miquelon, and on to Duxbury, Mass., the first time an Atlantic cable reached U.S. shores. Cyrus Field's Anglo-American Telegraph Company absorbed this French Company in 1873.
A second French Company laid a cable in 1879 from Brest via St. Pierre to a new North Eastham, Mass. station on this spot (or in this immediate area). This hut, all that remains of the old station, was presumably built about 1891.
Due to the isolation of the North Eastham Station, the Station's facilities (but not the big building) was moved to Orleans, Mass. in 1891 and operated until 1959. However, the St. Pierre cable, which ran through this hut to Orleans, was abandoned in 1932. old pieces of this cable may be seen on the cliff side (Ocean side) today, and ends of the cable still lie under the floor of the hut.
This small cottage, now NPS property, will be a valuable adjunct to interpretive use in the area which contains other historical elements (lighthouses and USCG activities) besides the cable.
Preceding Marconi's wireless station on Cape Cod (1903) by some 24 years, the French Cable performed a valuable service in communications, both before and after wireless. The French Station in Orleans is now the French Cable Museum, and this N. Eastham hut is a direct link with the fine museum to the south.
Local significance of the building:
A second French Company laid a cable in 1879 from Brest via St. Pierre to a new North Eastham, Mass. station on this spot (or in this immediate area). This hut, all that remains of the old station, was presumably built about 1891.
Due to the isolation of the North Eastham Station, the Station's facilities (but not the big building) was moved to Orleans, Mass. in 1891 and operated until 1959. However, the St. Pierre cable, which ran through this hut to Orleans, was abandoned in 1932. old pieces of this cable may be seen on the cliff side (Ocean side) today, and ends of the cable still lie under the floor of the hut.
This small cottage, now NPS property, will be a valuable adjunct to interpretive use in the area which contains other historical elements (lighthouses and USCG activities) besides the cable.
Preceding Marconi's wireless station on Cape Cod (1903) by some 24 years, the French Cable performed a valuable service in communications, both before and after wireless. The French Station in Orleans is now the French Cable Museum, and this N. Eastham hut is a direct link with the fine museum to the south.
Communications
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
About National Register Listings
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.
The first American subway system was built in Boston in 1897, running from downtown Boston to the neighboring city of Cambridge.
About Barnstable County
Barnstable County Timeline
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.
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.
Barnstable County Timeline
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.