Provincetown, Massachusetts

On November 11, 1620 the Mayflower anchored near Provincetown in Cape Cod Bay after 66 days at sea. The Pilgrims spent about five weeks here before sailing to the mainland and setting up the colony at Plymouth, but while they were here they crafted the Mayflower Compact, which established a cohesive guide for their self-government.

In 1910 Providence erected this 252' tower as a tribute to the Pilgrims. It is the tallest all granite structure in the United States and was fashioned after the Torre de Mangia in Sienna, Italy.

We toured the museum and walked to the top of the tower today. The weather was perfect for it; so clear and bright. We could see our boat in the harbor, the tower at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, and Boston, forty miles north.

Provincetown has a wonderful collection of original shingled cottages. Some of them weren't actually built in town, but out on Long Point where a fishing village existed between 1810 and 1850. When the fishing declined, many of the homes were put on barges and floated to town. These homes are identified with little blue placards showing a home on a barge with waves under it and the lighthouse in the background.

These charming cottages are surrounded by roses and colorful perennials and edged by white picket fences.

Provincetown is a delightful place to visit. It has a lively art and music scene, a tolerant attitude, beautiful homes, good restaurants, and wonderful sailing. I've barely scratched the surface of its fascinating history and hope you've enjoyed it.