Settled in 1659 as part of Harwich, Brewster is known as “The Sea Captain’s Town” as many of the wealthy sea captains took residence in this scenic area. In 1803, Brewster officially seperated from Harwich, drawing its name from Elder William Brewster – one of the original pilgrims aboard the Mayflower. Industry in Brewster developed around the needs of the sea captains and their families. Stony Brook (one of the first water-powered grist mills in the country) catered to this need providing textiles to the area. Today many of those historic sea captain estates have been converted to elegant inns and restaurants. Over the years Brewster’s industry has shifted from manufacturing and sea-faring trades to tourism.
Town Site: www.town.brewster.ma.us/
Wikipedia Entry: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewster,_Massachusetts
Related Day Trips:
Cape Cod – A Museum & Conservation
Activities:
Attractions:
- The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History – A small, but informative museum offering exhibits on the local wildlife. The best feature of this museum is the Marshview room where you can observe the bird life of the adjacent salt marsh. You can view pictures: here. Their official site: ccmnh.org
- Wing’s Island Conservation Area – A beautiful wildlife sanctuary in the Stoney Brook Valley Preserve behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. This free nature trail takes you through the forest, salt marshes and ends at the beach. You can view pictures here and their home page here: ccmnh.org
