Sandy Neck Cultural Resources District

Sandy Neck Cultural Resources District is a historic area along the northern shore of Cape Cod that forms a natural barrier protecting Barnstable Harbor from ocean waves. The site spans several kilometers and contains both archaeological remains and buildings from different time periods.

The area was recognized as a cultural resource and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 to protect its archaeological sites and historic structures. This designation followed extensive archaeological research that confirmed long-term human settlement at this location.

The district contains buildings representing multiple architectural periods, including Late Gothic Revival, Bungalow/Craftsman, and Queen Anne styles.

The site is accessible from several points along the shoreline where visitors can explore the beaches and historic areas. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and check tidal conditions when visiting archaeological sites along the shore.

Researchers discovered shell middens from the Woodland Period buried beneath the modern landscape, revealing that Native Americans lived and gathered food here centuries before European contact. These underwater and buried deposits offer glimpses into ancient ways of living that existed long before the colonial buildings were constructed.

Location: Barnstable

GPS coordinates: 41.73250,-70.34028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46