
2010 Population: 12,243 The Town of Harwich is
a resort and residential community located on the south side of the Cape peninsula, with an extensive shoreline on Nantucket Sound.
Harwich was settled around 1665, and incorporated in 1694. The early economy of Harwich included agriculture and maritime industries and its history has
included boom and bust cycles from the earliest days of the community. When the whaling industry collapsed with the discovery of oil, the Harwich community's emphasis
shifted to cod fishing. By 1802, 15 to 20 ships were shore fishing and another four ships were cod fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador, and by 1851, there
were 48 ships employing 577 men and bringing in thousands of tons of cod and mackerel. The eventual decline of the fishing industry in Harwich by the latter part
of the 19th century was caused by increases in the size of ships which eventually outstripped the shallow port's ability to house them. Harwich residents turned to the development of
cranberry bogs and resorts for summer visitors, working side-by-side with Portuguese immigrants. The first Harwich resort hotel opened in 1880 and both the cranberry and the tourist industries
remain substantial parts of Harwich's economy. |
Waterfront Dining on Saquatucket Harbor
Brax Landing Restaurant has been a staple for visitors to Cape Cod for decades. Situated overlooking scenic Saquatucket Harbor, Brax boasts breathtaking views and mouthwatering meals, featuring fresh local seafood favorites.
We hope you'll decide to join us for lunch, dinner, or our famous Sunday Brunch; or stop by for cocktails and appetizers on the deck.
705 Route 28, Harwich Port, MA
phone: 508-432-5515
map / details
| Harwich Transfer Station closed due to broken utility pole Friday June 19, 2026 |
| HARWICH ? From the Town of Harwich: The Transfer Station will be closed today Friday, June 19th due to a power outage caused by a broken pole. We apologize for any inconvenience! |
| Harwich Firefighter retires after 20 year career Tuesday June 16, 2026 |
| HARWICH ? From Harwich Fire: Monday was the last working day for Lieutenant Scott Tyldesley, and Tuesday we will celebrate his retirement with a last day coffee at Fire Headquarters. Scott completes a 20 year career as a full time firefighter and Lieutenant, and also served as a call firefighter in the mid-80's. He currently [?] |