Yarmouth

The first attempt to settle Yarmouth was made by Rev. Stephen Bachiler and his followers in the winter of 1637/8. However, this settlement was abandoned due to the severity of the winter “and others undertook it”. Yarmouth was organized and named in 1639. It originally was founded by the Pilgrims, and covered lands currently part of the towns of Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham and Harwich. Farming and the sea provided the industry for the early settlers to the town, with both the northern and southern ports being active in industry. This brought wealth to Yarmouth, which can still be seen today in its historic districts. The railroad came in the mid-1800s, and helped Yarmouth become a tourist destination. Today the town is mostly known for its tourist industry and shopping.

Yarmouth schools make up one-half of the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. Yarmouth operates two elementary schools (Laurence C. MacArthur and Station Avenue) which serve students from pre-kindergarten through third grade, as well as the Marguerite E. Small School for grades 4 & 5, and the Mattacheese Middle School for grades 6 through 8. The town is the home to Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, where both towns send their students. Their team colors are green and white, and their mascot is the dolphin.

Three villages make up the 17 square mile town of Yarmouth: West Yarmouth, Yarmouthport, and South Yarmouth.