In 1606 the French explorer Samuel de Champlain was so impressed by Wellfleet oysters that he named the harbor Port aux Huitres. Oysters were a staple of both the native Americans and the first settlers. As early as 1680 the settlers were regulating their harvest.

Billingsgate, as early Wellfleet was called, was originally a part of Eastham. In 1734 the townspeople appealed to the General Court for town status. However, the General Court moved in slow and mysterious ways, and it wasn’t until 1763 that the court granted town status, under the name of Poole. This name was not the favorite of the community, and aker a period of objections the court relented and the name Wellfleet was adopted.

In 1770 a strange and deadly epidemic spread across the oyster beds and wiped out the native oyster. Many explanations were given for the tragedy, but the religious zealots of the community felt that it was the act of an angry God. In the late 1800′s seed was imported and transplanted and the oysters returned to Wellfleet.

In its early years Wellfleet was a very successful commercial and whaling community. It established a true New England Main Street, an admirable feature it retains to the present day.

Today Wellfleet is known for its town center, its lovely homes and neighborhoods, fine salt and fresh water swimming, sport fishing, deep water harbor, art galleries and of course its outstanding oysters. Be sure to take a look at Vacation Cape Cod’s Wellfleet Vacation Rental Listings.