Mashpee

Mashpee, or the Indian name, Massipee, was home to Wampanoag Indian tribe when the English settlers arrived in 1658. Though attempts were made to live side by side, the conditions set forth by the settlers were not ones the Indians could live with. Eventually most of the Indians moved away. Finally, in 1870, Mashpee incorporated and the sea became their chief means of support.

Villages that make up the town of Mashpee: Mashpee Neck, Monomoscoy Island, New Seabury, Popponesset, Popponesset Island, Seabrook and Seconsett Island.

Although Mashpee has the same beautiful beaches, bike trails, walking trails, shops, museums, etc. as the other Cape towns, there is something a little different about it. The word Mashpee is a translation of the Indian name that means “great cove”. The influence of the Mashpee Indians (who are a part of the Wampanoag tribe, is still keenly felt and many tourist come just to view their culture. Every year there is a Pow-Wow held where their wares and activities are displayed.

The oldest church on Cape Cod and the oldest Indian church in the United States, built in 1684, is located in Mashpee. It was originally situated on Santuit Pond in Bourne but was moved to its present location in Mashpee. It is still in use today by the Mashpee as a meeting house in which to conduct tribal business and rites. In 2007, the U.S. Government bestowed recognition to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe survivors as a sovereign Indian nation.