ABOUT
The Town of Orleans is a beautiful and historic place. It blends the quiet character of a seaside village with the active nature of a center of commerce. An assortment of unique shops, historic buildings, nature walks, waterways and beaches give Orleans a unique charm. Many past events helped shape Orleans into the town it is today.
An area in the history of Orleans is one that actually gave it, and Cape Cod, shape. No matter where one stands now, about 15,000 years ago chances are it was under 2 miles of glacial ice. As Ice Glaciers crept over the area they pile soil and sand higher and higher; as they receded, water closed in around the elevated section, building what is seen today.

Orleans first attracted Native Americans thousands of years ago and many families settled in the area. The Native Americans that inhabited Orleans were the Nauset. For the most part, they were friendly and helpful when the Pilgrims arrived. Although town settlements were not yet set up, the newcomers were assisted in farming and fishing by the natives.

The heart of Orleans' commerce, even before incorporation, was farming and fishing. This continued throughout the years and, to a degree, still exists today. Farming was essential early on because of the difficulty of travel. Townspeople gathered together to raise enough produce to sustain the population. Surplus vegetables and grains were traded in other towns and used as payment to the Federal Government during the Revolutionary War. Farming was difficult and most residents turned to the abundance of the sea. Most fish caught in Orleans' waters was familiar to the settlers, but some were not. The natives taught the Pilgrims about these delicacies with one notable exception. The natives were not fond of lobster and used it more for bait than food.

The fishing industry took hold in Orleans in the early 1800s. The fishing boom resulted in two new industries in Orleans. Salt, used to preserve fish, became very important at this time. During this time, the shipping industry to and from Boston grew to keep up with the saltmaking and fishing industries.

The railroad also triggered another change in the economy of Orleans. The ease of rail transport from the center of Orleans gave birth to a small textile industry and a more service-oriented town. The Old Colony Railroad brought visitors from Boston and other cities to Orleans. The tourist industry proved to be stronger than textiles and the town moved its economy in that direction. The people of Orleans hope that while visitors enjoy the town as it is today, they also take time to think about its history and share in its proud heritage.

BEACHES
The beaches are one of the main reasons people choose to visit Orleans. The combination of sun, sand, and water is a natural tranquilizer of which Orleans has an abundant supply. From Nauset and Skaket Beaches, for saltwater, to Pilgrim and Crystal lakes fronts unexcelled on the East Coast.

INFORMATION

Police Dept EMERGENCY, 911 90 Route 28 (non-emergency), 255-0117 Fire/Rescue EMERGENCY, 911 58 Eldredge Pk Way, (non-emergency), 255-0050 Animal Rescue League 3981 Route 6A, Brewster, 255-1030 Chamber of Commerce Parish Park, 44 Main Street, 255-1386 Disposal Area Lots Hollow Road, 240-3770 Harbormaster/Shellfish 90 Route 28, 240-3755

Information Booth Eldredge Park Way, 240-2484 Orleans Medical Walk-In Center 225 Route 6A, 355-9577 Park Department Nauset Beach, 240-3780 Skaket Beach, 255-0572 Snow Library Main Street, 240-3760 Town Offices 19 School Road, 240-3700 U.S. Coast Guard Chatham, 945-0164 Provincetown, 487-0070