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Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Orleans
Barnstable County, Massachusetts
ZipCodes
02653
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Community events.
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
The first permanent settlement here was established by Nicholas Snow and his family in 1642. It was named for Louis Phillippe II, Duke of Orleans for the support of France during the Revolutionary War and was incorporated in 1797. The townspeople did not want an English name because they were captured twice during the Revolutionary War by the British.
As the town grew, so did its need for resources. At first, the local economy was related to fishing, whaling and agriculture, but when the railroad was extended to the area, tourism began to expand and became an important aspect of the economy. When the Cape Cod National Seashore was established in 1961, the area economy received a nice boost.
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Attractions
Orleans is the gateway to Outer Cape Code. The Cape Code National Seashore and Rock Harbor are located here.
The Town of Orleans has a great Cape Guide - Cape Code guide to beaches, golf, lodging and more
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Orleans has an open town meeting form of government. It has a town secretary and a board of selectmen. Orleans has its own police and fire departments
Orleans Historical Events
1952
CG36500 Lifeboat
This lifeboatis famous for its role in the 18 February 1952 rescue of the tanker, Pendleton, survivors during a great northeasterly storm. After being decommissioned in 1968, the Orleans historical society became its restorers.
Orleans Chamber
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
5 Shoot Flying Hill Road
Centerville MA 02632
Phone: 508-362-3225
Many homes in Orleans are second homes and are used heavily by tourists to the area.
Population density:
2000 - 447.3 persons per square mile
Median house value:
2000 - $ 300,700
2005 - $ 673,500
Median household Income:
2000 - $ 42,594
2005 - $ 50,500
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