National Register Listing

Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving Station

a.k.a. USCG Station

NE of Chatham on Nauset Beach, Chatham, MA
From Monomoy to Provincetown, some forty miles, there remains only the Old Harbor U.S. Life Saving--U.S.C.G. station as the oldest of these buildings remaining on the shores of Cape Cod National Seashore.

Today, with the modern Coast Guard and its maritime, seaplane, and electronic equipment, this old station is a rare reminder of the days of Sail, the days when shipwrecks were commonplace. (Over 2000 shipwrecks have occurred on this 40-mile, inhospitable beach). The heroism of the highest order was made manifest by the acts of the small crews who manned the surfboats and set up the elaborate breeches buoy equipment, to save lives in unbelievably terrible weather.

In the first five years of operation, this station's crews rescued 21 persons by surfboat and removed 13 people by breeches buoy. Old Harbor Station was abandoned on February 10, 1947, and sold as surplus.

In retrospect, the old Life-Saving Service (which became the Coast Guard in 1915) was the single most important activity on Cape Cod for seventy years--add another 75 years of sea rescue work by the Massachusetts Humane Society, from 1795, and we have over a century and a half of heroism which should not be forgotten. In World War I and II, beach patrols, using these stations, were a vital part of Coast defenses.

Although the old Harbor station was built at the turn of the century, when new methods were introduced, its historical value, as representative of a vital part of the Cape's past, is obvious. Soon, no Coast Guard buildings will remain.

Nauset Beach, on which the station is located, is subject to very rapid natural erosion. Any moving of the building to a new location on this fragile sandspit will be only a temporary solution to the problem of preserving the structure. While moving it to the mainland would be a more permanent solution, costs would be high and its historical integrity and interest would be reduced.

There is a possibility that local groups might be interested in participating in efforts to preserve this old structure.

Bibliography
Life Savers of Cape Cod by J.W. Dalton (1908)

Reports of the Life Saving Service (1897-1915).
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Conservation; Military; Architecture; Communications; Maritime History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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.

In 1773, the Boston Tea Party occurred, where American colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest British taxation.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.