Originally known as Satucket, Harwich was incorporated as a town in 1694 and named after a well known seaport in England. Whaling and shipbuilding were early industries, later superseded by the cultivation of cranberries.

Harwich’s protected harbors, once home to one of Cape Cod’s largest fishing fleets, still secures many fishing boats, but is predominantly port to recreational craft.

There are seven distinct villages in Harwich – Pleasant Lake, Harwich Port, Harwich Center, and East, West, North and South Harwich – each unique and different. There are more than 300 historic homes in the town which do much to establish its character. These handsome older homes are complemented by a grand selection of other living accommodations, including cottages and condos, ranches and colonials, and mansions and contemporaries.

Harwich has four picturesque harbors, 16 rollicking saltwater beaches, 2 challenging golf courses, numerous picturesque cranberry bogs, the delightful Cape Cod Rail Trail, theatre, historic sites, a herring run, sparkling fresh water ponds, the sensational Harwich Cranberry Festival and more. Here government is progressive, schools are excellent and the populace is active and friendly.

No wonder residents and visitors love it here.