Cape Cod and the Islands · MA
Chatham
The Cape's elbow, where seals draw great white sharks.
- Population
- 6,594 (2020 census)
- Incorporated
- June 11, 1712
- Chatham Light
- 1808
Then
- 1606
Samuel de Champlain lands in October at a place he calls Port Fortuné and clashes with the Nauset.
- 1664
English settlers reach Monomoit. The town incorporates in 1712 and is named for Chatham in Kent.
- 1808
Thomas Jefferson establishes Chatham Light. Its twin towers are rebuilt in 1877; one is moved to Eastham in 1923.
- 1952
Coast Guardsman Bernard Webber leads the daring rescue of the Pendleton's crew.
Now
Dayboats land fish and lobster at the Chatham Fish Pier. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge stretches south, gray seals crowd the beaches, and great white sharks follow them.
3 tide stations around Chatham
- Chatham Harbor, Aunt Lydias Cove0.6 mi
- Chatham, Stage Harbor1.1 mi
- Pleasant Bay3.9 mi