Orleans, MA – Lower Cape
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Some interesting Orleans historical tidbits: In 1629 the vessel Sparrowhawk ran aground and was destroyed off Orleans, making it Cape Cod’s first recorded shipwreck. Orleans was incorporated in 1797 and named after the Duke of Orleans, who later became the King of France, making Orleans the only Cape Cod town with a French name. And finally, during World War I, Orleans was the only place in North America fired upon by the Germans. Orleans’ historical highlights are numerous, many grounded in Rock Harbor, wound around the French Cable Museum, and distributed among the several other historic sites in town. Very much a year-round community, Orleans is the retail and business hub of the Lower and Outer Cape. Orleans’ 14 square miles are dotted with many fresh water ponds, and an astounding array of miles and miles of bay beaches, oceanfront, coves, harbors, inlets and barriers beach. As one might expect, the variety of recreational activities and home settings afforded by this water frontage is considerable. Lovely new residences and neighborhoods complement the array of handsome homes, many with comfortable front porches and weathered shingles. Orleans offers a very nice lifestyle, combining comfort and convenience in a resort-like atmosphere. Be sure to take a look at Vacation Cape Cod’s Orleans Vacation Rental Listings.
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| Population | 6,542 |
| Form of Government | Town Meeting |
| Land Area | 13.94sq. mi. |
| Density | 470 persons per sq. mi. |
| Distance from Boston | 96 mi. |
