📍 Location & Geography
Sandwich is a town located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula of Massachusetts. The town is bordered by Cape Cod Bay to the north, the town of Bourne to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the towns of Mashpee and Falmouth to the south.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Sandwich are approximately 41.7589° N latitude and 70.4939° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Sandwich is situated in the southeastern region of Massachusetts, within the New England area of the United States. The town spans a total area of 44.2 square miles (114.4 km²), of which 42.6 square miles (110.3 km²) is land and 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, Sandwich has a population of approximately 20,675 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant portion of the population being families. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Sandwich was first settled in 1637 by a group of immigrants from Saugus, making it the oldest town on Cape Cod. It was incorporated in 1639 and named after the seaport of Sandwich, Kent in England. The town played a significant role in the early glass industry during the 19th century, with the establishment of the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Sandwich is known for its natural beauty, featuring numerous beaches, marshes, and forests. The town is home to the Sandwich Boardwalk, a popular tourist attraction that extends over the marsh and leads to the Town Beach. Sandwich also has several conservation areas, including the Sandwich Conservation Trust and the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary.
🏫 Education
Education in Sandwich is managed by the Sandwich Public School District, which operates several elementary schools, a middle school, and Sandwich High School. The town also has a few private schools. For higher education, nearby options include Cape Cod Community College and several universities in the greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Sandwich is primarily by road, with U.S. Route 6 and Massachusetts Route 130 being the main highways serving the town. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides public bus service in the area. The nearest airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport, located in Hyannis.
📜 Trivia & Events
Sandwich is known for its annual Sandwich Fair, a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the region. The town is also home to the Sandwich Glass Museum, which showcases the town’s rich history in the glass industry. In addition, Sandwich is recognized as one of the oldest towns in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.