Highland House
Off U.S. 6 on Cape Cod National Seashore, Truro, MAIn 1835, James Small built a two-story, clapboard farmhouse near the present Highland House. Isaac Small, for 50 years a resident of the area, states: "Henry David Thoreau visited our family twice on his journeys down the Cape, the first time at the Lighthouse when my father was Keeper in June of 1850, and again in 1855 when he stopped with us at the Farm." This "Farmhouse", the original Highland House, began accommodating summer visitors as early as 1835. (This old building has unfortunately been moved out of the vicinity). Isaac Small built the present House in 1907. and continued the guest house tradition--he added several guest cottages. and a golf course, one of the two oldest golf courses in the United States (dating 1892), was part of the complex.
While the present Highland House is only 67 years old, it is important as a survivor of a way of life gone forever on Cape Cod=-an architectural structure designed for visitor use years before the "summer people" began individual land and house purchases for summer retreats.
Located as it is in the area explored by the Pilgrims in November 1620, (before going on to Plymouth), utilized as the best farm site in Truro, placed in proximity to the important Life-Saving Station (1872) and Highland Lighthouse (1797), and continuously watched over by Marine Weather Station Reporter, Isaac M. Small, the present Highland House, now used as a museum, stands as a monument to a historical past embracing some 350 years.
Local significance of the building:
While the present Highland House is only 67 years old, it is important as a survivor of a way of life gone forever on Cape Cod=-an architectural structure designed for visitor use years before the "summer people" began individual land and house purchases for summer retreats.
Located as it is in the area explored by the Pilgrims in November 1620, (before going on to Plymouth), utilized as the best farm site in Truro, placed in proximity to the important Life-Saving Station (1872) and Highland Lighthouse (1797), and continuously watched over by Marine Weather Station Reporter, Isaac M. Small, the present Highland House, now used as a museum, stands as a monument to a historical past embracing some 350 years.
Commerce; Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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 Thanksgiving in America was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. The feast lasted for three days and was attended by both Pilgrims and Native Americans.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.