📍 Location & Geography
Brewster is a charming town located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the Cape Cod peninsula, bordered by the towns of Orleans to the east, Harwich to the south, and Dennis to the west. The town is approximately 31 square miles in size, with 23 square miles of land and 8 square miles of water. Brewster is known for its scenic beauty, with a landscape that features rolling hills, marshes, pine forests, and beautiful sandy beaches along Cape Cod Bay.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Brewster, Massachusetts are approximately 41.76 degrees north latitude and 70.08 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Brewster is part of the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, a popular vacation destination known for its quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and historic lighthouses. The town is part of the Barnstable County, which encompasses all of Cape Cod. Brewster covers a total area of about 25.4 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Brewster had a population of approximately 9,820 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a large percentage of residents being retirees. The median age is around 57 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Brewster was first settled in 1656 by a group of religious separatists. The town was officially incorporated in 1803 and was named after Elder William Brewster, a Mayflower passenger and a religious leader of Plymouth Colony. Brewster was primarily a seafaring town in its early history, with many residents involved in the fishing and shipping industries. In the 19th century, the town became a center for the production of glass and other manufactured goods.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Brewster is home to several beautiful parks and nature reserves. The Nickerson State Park, with its freshwater ponds and hiking trails, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town also boasts several beautiful beaches along Cape Cod Bay, including Breakwater Beach and Paine’s Creek Beach. Brewster is also part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, a protected area that preserves the natural and cultural resources of Cape Cod.
🏫 Education
Brewster is served by the Nauset Regional School District and the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School District. The town has one elementary school, the Eddy Elementary School. For secondary education, students attend Nauset Regional Middle School and Nauset Regional High School. Brewster is also home to the Cape Cod Sea Camps, a popular summer camp program for children and teenagers.
🚧 Transportation
Route 6A, also known as the King’s Highway, is the main road through Brewster, providing access to other towns on Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation services in the town, including a bus service and a door-to-door ride service for the elderly and disabled. The nearest airport is the Barnstable Municipal Airport, located in Hyannis.
📜 Trivia & Events
Brewster is known for its annual Brewster in Bloom Festival, a three-day event held in May that features a parade, arts and crafts show, and other community activities. The town is also home to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, which offers exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history. One interesting fact about Brewster is that it was the summer home of Helen Keller, the famous author and activist who was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.