Ask the Scholar

The village of Barnstable, located on the northern coast of Cape Cod about three miles north of Hyannis, is another of the seven villages in the town of Barnstable. Drawn by the same artist, it was published in the same year as the Hyannis view. The Barnstable view was also oriented as if the community was being viewed from the north looking south. The background extends across the peninsula towards Hyannis, with Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard faintly visible on the horizon. This small village, displaying a linear settlement pattern, serves as the county seat for Barnstable County, which includes all the towns on the Cape. The views central focus is the portion of Main Street running from the U.S. Post Office and Custom House (identified by letter A) to the County Court House and Jail (identified by letters B and C). Also highlighting the village's administrative and governmental functions is the inset in the lower left-hand corner depicting the Court House and Jail, as well as the county fairgrounds positioned in the lower left foreground. Interestingly, the Old Colony Railroad, which was prominently featured in the Hyannis view, is also shown in this view. It runs the length of the drawing, located just south of town. On the left, the rail line curves to the south heading toward Hyannis and the southern shore line.