Provincetown
Provincetown, at the "fist" end of the Cape is the last stop on a
tour through Cape Cod. With land mass that curls around Provincetown Harbor
on the Bay side, it gives natural protection to boats stopping at this port.
Even before the Pilgrims landed at Provincetown, it is said that the Vikings
stopped here in A.D. 1004. Bartholomew Groswold visited in 1602 and gave Cape
Cod its name for the plentiful codfish he found in the area.
The Mayflower moored here in 1620, and it was here that the Pilgrims signed
the Mayflower Compact. They did not stay in Provincetown, however, and the town
was not incorporated until 1727. Fishing and whaling were the primary industries
here, even more so in the 19th century when Portuguese seamen began moving into
the area. This brought a new and exotic culture to the town, and it soon started
attracting artists from all mediums to its shores.
Provincetown is now an artist's colony, the oldest in the nation, in fact,
and is known as Greenwich Village North. Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote
both spent a good deal of time in Provincetown, soaking up the culture and enjoying
an environment of social acceptance (both men were openly gay) that they didn't
find on the mainland.
Eugene O'Neill lived in Provincetown and was a member of the Provincetown Players.
His first plays were written and performed here. By 1916, there were five major
art schools operating in the area and today the Fine Arts Work Center awards
ten artists and ten writers with grants to live, work and learn in Provincetown.
The Provincetown Art Association and Museum have a massive 1,650 piece permanent
collection, which they combine with the works of new artists to offer ever-changing
exhibits to the public. Some works are also for sale at the museum. There is
a lot for the non-patron of the arts to do here, also. There is rich history
to learn about here such as the Expedition Whydah Sea Lab and Learning Center.
The Whydah is the only authenticated pirate ship on display in the world and
this s! mall museum is a fascinating stop. The Pilgrim Monument is one of the
tallest structures in Provincetown at 252 feet. You can climb to the top of
the tower and get some fantastic views.
Whether its art, whale watching or history that brings you to Provincetown,
bring an open mind and it will be a rewarding trip.
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