Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown is a town located at the tip of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 3,431. "P-town", as it is sometimes called, is known for its beaches, artists, and tourist industry, and is a significant gay resort.

History

When Provincetown was incorporated in 1727, it had already been harboring ships for more than a century. French explorer Samuel de Champlain visited Provincetown as early as 1605. In 1620 the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact in Provincetown's harbor, agreeing to settle and build a self-governing community. Though the Pilgrims chose to settle across the bay in Plymouth, Provincetown was eventually settled as a fishing village in 1700.

Related Topics:
1727 - Samuel de Champlain - 1605 - 1620 - Pilgrims - Mayflower Compact - Plymouth - 1700

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The population of Provincetown remained small through most of the 18th century. Following the American Revolution, however, Provincetown grew rapidly as the fishing and whaling center of Cape Cod. The population was bolstered by a number of Portuguese sailors who, hired to work on US ships, came to live in Provincetown. By the 1890s, Provincetown was booming, and had begun to develop a resident population of writers and artists, as well as a summer tourist industry. When the 1898 Portland Gale severely damaged the town's fishing industry, the artistic industry of the town took over many of the abandoned buildings. By the early decades of the 20th century, the town had acquired an international reputation for its artistic and literary output.

Related Topics:
18th century - American Revolution - Whaling - Cape Cod - Portuguese - 1890 - Tourist - 1898 - Portland Gale - 20th century

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To this day, Provincetown continues to be a working site for many artists, and galleries can be found throughout the town. The town becomes quiet and peaceful during the cold New England winters, and raucously crowded during the tourist-packed summers.

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In recent years, Provincetown has become a major gay and lesbian center. The contribution of these individuals has added significantly to the flavor of the town, rejuvenating it at a time when many Cape destinations were losing their vitality at the hands of the tourist industry.

Related Topics:
Gay - Lesbian

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