Welcome to the Route 6A Scenic Byway: Corridor Management Plan Update

Where once Native Americans trod on journeys between Plymouth and Provincetown, highway Route 6A gracefully beckons today's travelers. Route 6A is the thread that binds the Old King's Highway Regional Historic District, America's largest designated historic district.

The historic district, which is bounded roughly by the Mid Cape Highway (Route 6) on the south and Cape Cod Bay to the north, and includes parts of Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans. Route 6A winds east and west for 34 miles, past scenic harbors, great salt marshes and places that endure as relics of the storied American past.

A Brief History of Route 6A

From its apparent beginning as a Native American trail, Route 6A evolved into a principal east-west cart path for early Cape Cod farmers and other settlers. In the late 17th century it became an extension of the Plymouth Colony's "King's Highway."

With the rise of 18th century maritime activities on Cape Cod, sea captain homes, taverns and other commercial activities sprouted along the route, giving occasion to Boston-Provincetown stagecoaches to stop.

In the next century, the demise of maritime industries prompted a focus on cranberry production in the district. Meantime, residents who had seen the corridor stripped of trees to support farming and shipbuilding planted new shade trees. Many of these, now mature, grace the roadway today.

By the early 20th century as automobiles replaced horse-drawn carriages and tourism developed on the Cape, the highway required a paved surface. Preservation efforts ensued, and today Route 6A remains faithful to the original trail in most areas.

Along the Way

The historic character of the Old King's Highway makes it a unique experience for visitors. Look for these scenic byway attractions among the many you will encounter:

1. Cape Cod Canal Bicycle Paths - Bourne
2. Historic Sandwich Village - Sandwich
3. Heritage Plantation - Sandwich
4. Trayser Museum - Barnstable
5. Winslow Crocker House - Yarmouth
6. Josiah Dennis Manse & Old West Schoolhouse - Dennis
7. Nickerson State Park - Brewster
8. Jonathan Young Windmill - Orleans
9. Cape Cod Rail Trail (bike trail) - Dennis, Harwich, Brewster & Orleans

Views and Vistas

You will enjoy the Historic District fully if you take the time to divert from Route 6A proper to explore the many vistas and natural attractions, particularly to the north including...

1. Sandwich Harbor and the salt marshes - Sandwich
2. Barnstable Harbor and the view of Sandy Neck - Barnstable
3. Ancient Cemetery - Yarmouth Port
4. Scargo Lake & Scargo Tower - Dennis
5. Sesuit Harbor - East Dennis
6. Stony Brook & the tidal flats - Brewster
7. Skaket Beach & Rock Harbor - Orleans

Suggested links/comments should be sent to trans@capecodcommission.org or to Transportation Staff, Cape Cod Commission, PO BOX 226, Barnstable, Massachusetts 02630-0226.

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