Bourne

Often called the Gateway to Cape Cod, Bourne, or its Indian name, Manomet, is the only town on the Cape that straddles the Cape Cod Canal. The first trading post established in America was Aptucxet Trading Post, an Indian word for “little trap by the river”. It was built in 1627 next to the Manomet River. It was there that wampum was first used as a trading medium. The town itself was settled in 1640 and incorporated in 1884. It was eventually named after Jonathon Bourne whose father donated the land, later to become the town of Mashpee, to the Wampanoag Indians. Because of the canal, Bourne is now considered the “first” town on the Cape, as all three bridges (the Bourne, the Sagamore and the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge) all are located within the town. Again, due to the location of the Canal, the town is divided, the majority of land lying on the Cape.

Villages that make up the population of Bourne are Buzzards Bay, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore and Sagamore Beach, Bourne Village, Bournedale, Cataumet, Gray Gables, Monument Beach.

Bourne takes pride in itself because they are the gateway to Cape Cod. They don’t mind that they don’t see the mass of summer tourists the rest of the Cape does. They like their quiet town and it appeals to those who find a laid back vacation delightful.

Much of the Cape side of Bourne is occupied by the Massachusetts Military Reservation.

The canal itself is well known for sport fishing and the area beside the canal has scenic bike paths. Bourne Scenic Park campground is located under the Bourne Bridge for those drawn to the water. There are numerous bike trails and lovely harbors for swimming and shell fishing. The restored Aptucxet Trading Post is a popular visiting spot for history buffs, many enjoy the Cape Cod Scenic Railroad trip and the Bournedale Herring Run is most interesting. In September, Bourne hosts their Scallop Festival and is home to the Bourne Braves, a team in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Their home field is Barry J. Motta Athletic Complex.