File:A gazetteer of the state of Massachusetts - with numerous illustrations (1890) (14763917201).jpg

Identifier: gazetteerofstate00naso (find matches)
Title: A gazetteer of the state of Massachusetts : with numerous illustrations
Year: 1890 (1890s)
Authors: Nason, Elias, 1811-1887 Varney, George J. (George Jones), 1836-1901
Subjects: Massachusetts -- Gazetteers
Publisher: Boston : B.B. Russell
Contributing Library: Boston Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Boston Public Library

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of the most uni(lue towns of ther lUVlll^CHJWll Commonwealth. It occupies the ex-treme northern point of Barnstable County and Cape Cod; and is,with exception of a narrow neck connecting it with Truro at theeast, entirely enclosed by water. From midway of the western enda still narrower peninsula (or island, for the sea has made a breachthrough it near its beginning) runs along by and far past the main-land towards the southeast, then turning to the northeast, forms anelbow, terminating at Long Point, which is marked by a lighthouse;thus forming Provincetown harbor. It is nearly land-locked andsecure, and sufficiently capacious and deep to furnish anchorage forabout 2,500 vessels. It is of great importance to navigation,whether coasting or foreign, affording a convenient haven in thickand stormy weather, or in distress in consequence. An officialrecord of the keeper of the outer light at Wood End during 1876-8shows that in those three years 23,000 vessels passed in out of thisharbor.
Text Appearing After Image:
PROVINCETOWX. 553 The township itself consists of loose white sand, which has atmany points been driven into fantastic knolls that are subject tofrequent changes, wherever it has not been protected by the plantingof beach grass. Here and there is a tract naturally covered withshrubs or tufts of coarse grass, together with a little sedge, and theproductions of the ponds and marshes. As the result of much laborand care there were also, in 1885, about 18 acres of woodland, con-taining elm, maple, beech, willow and silver oak; and the extent isannually increasing. The buildings are nearly all on an avenue some two miles inlength, and following the curve of the harbor. The dwelling-housesand public buildings present a neat and pleasant appearance, havingin many instances lawns and gardens, with shrubbery and shadetrees. The soil for these, however, has been brought from distantplaces. Highpole Hill (earlier Tower Hill) rises picturesquely inthe rear of the village. The old town-house, a su

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