📍 Location & Geography
Falmouth is a picturesque town located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. It’s nestled on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, bordered by Buzzards Bay to the west and Vineyard Sound to the south. The town encompasses a total area of approximately 54.4 square miles, of which 44.1 square miles is land and 10.3 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Falmouth, Massachusetts, are approximately 41.5534° N latitude and 70.6083° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Falmouth is part of the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, known for its maritime character, sandy beaches, and charming New England towns. The town includes eight distinctive villages, namely Falmouth Village, East Falmouth, West Falmouth, North Falmouth, Woods Hole, Hatchville, Teaticket, and Waquoit.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Falmouth has a population of approximately 31,531 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a significant number of retirees. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Falmouth was first settled by English colonists in 1660 and was officially incorporated in 1686. The town was named after Falmouth, Cornwall, England, the birthplace of Bartholomew Gosnold, who is credited with the discovery of Cape Cod. Falmouth’s economy initially thrived on whaling, fishing, and agriculture, but in the late 19th century, it began to evolve into a popular summer resort destination.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Falmouth is known for its beautiful coastal scenery, with over 68 miles of coastline offering numerous beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy. The town is also home to several conservation areas and nature reserves, including the Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary and Beebe Woods. The Shining Sea Bikeway, a scenic bike path that stretches from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, offers stunning views of the coast and marshlands.
🏫 Education
Falmouth is served by the Falmouth Public Schools district, which includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The town is also home to Falmouth Academy, a private college-preparatory school. For higher education, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a world-renowned marine science research center, is located in Falmouth.
🚧 Transportation
Falmouth is accessible by road via U.S. Route 28 and Massachusetts Route 151. The town is also served by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, which provides bus service. The Steamship Authority operates a ferry service from Woods Hole in Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard. The nearest airport is Barnstable Municipal Airport, located in Hyannis.
📜 Trivia & Events
Falmouth is famous for the Falmouth Road Race, an annual 7-mile race that attracts runners from all over the world. The town is also home to the Woods Hole Film Festival, one of the longest-running independent film festivals in the Northeast. Additionally, Falmouth’s historic district boasts over 300 preserved and restored buildings, some dating back to the 18th century.