Cape Cod, known for its long sandy beaches and imposing sand dunes, is also home to a succession of world famous seaside resorts and historic maritime towns. Here on the Upper Cape, Falmouth enjoys the company of its neighbors Woods Hole, East Falmouth, Falmouth Village, North Falmouth and Teaticket. First settled in 1660 by a dozen English settlers, Falmouth was granted a charter just a few decades later. Once called Succanesset, Falmouth was renamed in 1690 to honor founder Bartholomew Gosnold’s home port on the Fal River in England.
   Surrounded by a collection of Cape Cod's bays, snug harbors and busy inlets, seaside visitors will fall in love with the charm of these coastal settings. This Main Street scene captures a view of a well kept line of shops. Not far from the famous Falmouth Town Green, guests find both sides of the street lined with inviting restaurants, art museums and interesting storefront windows which have remained mostly unchanged over the years.
   The Falmouth Village Green, a meeting place for Falmouth residents since 1750, is surrounded by historic homes and churches. The Falmouth Congregational Church first met in 1708 and continues to preserve its place in Falmouth history. A small part of this history is found in its original 1796 Paul Revere church bell. The bell, the fifteenth cast by Revere, weighs 807 pounds and initially cost church members $338.94. Because most bells were imported from England, Americans were proud of these first bells cast by the Revere Copper Company. The First Congregational Church celebrated the bicentennial of the bell on November 3, 1996.
   Also on the Town Green you'll find the home of Katharine Lee Bates, most famous for the poem America the Beautiful. Daughter of the Congregational Church pastor, Bates was born, raised and died in Falmouth. Across the Green, and continuing alongside a tree lined sidewalk, visitors will easily spot the Saint Barnabas Memorial Church founded in 1882. Here in historic Falmouth, sightseers will find it a great place to connect with 18th century Cape Cod.

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