Page "Harwich, Massachusetts" Paragraph 1

Harwich was first settled in 1670 as part of Yarmouth.

The town was officially incorporated in 1694, and originally included the lands of the current town of Brewster.

Early industry involved fishing and farming.

The town is considered by some to be the birthplace of the cranberry industry, with the first commercial operation opened in 1846.

There are still many bogs in the town, although the economy is now more centered on tourism and as a residential community.

The town is also the site of the start / finish line of the " Sail Around the Cape ," which rounds the Cape counter-clockwise, returning via the Cape Cod Canal.