History & Culture

Cape Cod is only some 18,000 years old in geologic time, but its history includes a vast collection of people, places and events, most from a time long faded into memory. From the beginning of its creation to the foundation of its National Seashore, Cape Cod is one of the forbearers of our national heritage.

 
  • Black and white photograph showing a man in front a telegraph reciever.
    People

    Many people and their stories have shaped Cape Cod's history and culture.

  • A small, yellow, one-story house can be seen through a wooden archway.
    Places

    Explore some of the places that have shaped the history and culture of Cape Cod!

  • Photograph of a woman leaning into an excavation pit at an archaeological dig.
    Archaeology

    Learn more about the archaeological sites in the Seashore!

  • A group of men stand beside a wooden skiff boat being pulled on a cart by a horse on a beach.
    Stories

    Click to see Cape Cod stories, like those of the Lifesavers and the Cape's maritime history!

  • A small wooden shack nestled amongst sandy dunes.
    Residency Program, Dune Shacks

    Learn more about the Residency Program offered at the Dune Shacks of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District.

  • Screenshot of the first page of a report on the Historic Cultural Land Use Study of Lower Cape Cod.
    Historical and Cultural Reports

    The park publishes many historical and cultural reports - click here to see them and find out more.

Last updated: March 14, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

99 Marconi Site Road
Wellfleet, MA 02667

Phone:

508-255-3421
To contact NPS Law Enforcement or report an incident, please call the 24-hour dispatch: 617-242-5659. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

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