Woods Hole is located in the state of Massachusetts and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Woods Hole, you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Woods Hole
Woods Hole is a small village located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. It is home to several scientific organizations, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, and Woods Hole Research Center. The village is also known for its quaint shops and restaurants, as well as its ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard.
Woods Hole has a long history of whaling and fishing, and today, the village is still a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The village is situated between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, making it the perfect place to enjoy water activities such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, and more. There are also several hiking trails in the area, perfect for exploring the Cape Cod countryside.
In addition to its many outdoor activities, Woods Hole is also home to several museums, including the Woods Hole Historical Museum and the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. The village also hosts the annual Woods Hole Film Festival, which showcases independent films from around the world.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors or explore the village’s rich history, Woods Hole is the perfect vacation destination for those looking to get away from it all.
Sights in Woods Hole
Woods Hole, a village in the town of Falmouth on Cape Cod, is worldrenowned as a center for academic research and higher learning. It is home to several renowned institutions, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Woods Hole Research Center. The village is also a popular tourist destination, with its quaint New England charm, picturesque harbor, and proximity to some of Cape Cod’s most popular beaches.
Woods Hole’s history dates back to the early 1600s, when the area was first surveyed by English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold. The first permanent settlers arrived in the 1640s, and the village was officially incorporated in 1686. Early industries included fishing, shipbuilding, and whaling. In the late 19th century, Woods Hole became a popular summer resort for wealthy families from Boston and New York.
The village began to attract scientists and scholars in the early 20th century, when the Marine Biological Laboratory was founded. The Institution for Oceanography followed in 1930, and today Woods Hole is known as one of the world’s leading centers for oceanographic research.
Visitors to Woods Hole can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the village’s quaint shops and galleries, taking a boat tour of the harbor, or visiting one of the many local museums. The Woods Hole Historical Museum is particularly worth a visit, as it contains exhibits on the village’s maritime history and the work of the scientific institutions.
History of Woods Hole
In 1683, the first of Woods Hole’s two notable landmarks, old fisherman’s cottage, was erected on the shore. The second, the Nobska Light, was established in 1817. In Woods Hole’s early days, its primary industry was fishing, and it remains an important part of the community today. The town’s first official name was “Woods Holl,” likely a misspelling of the original “Wood’s Hole.”
The first nonnative settlers in Woods Hole were members of the Wampanoag Tribe, who had a summer village on Martha’s Vineyard. They called the little cove on the southern tip of Cape Cod “Accomack,” meaning “place of rest.” The first English settler in Woods Hole was confirmed to be William Palmer, who arrived in 1641. In 1665, Isaac Grout and his family moved to the area, and Grout is considered the founder of Woods Hole.
Whaling was an important early industry in Woods Hole, as it was in much of New England. The first whaling ship from Woods Hole, the Hannah & Eliza, was commissioned in 1787. However, the town’s whaling days came to an end in the 1860s with the advent of oil lamps.
The first telegraph line in Woods Hole was strung in 1852, and in 1871 the Cape Cod Railroad built a branch line to the village, further increasing its accessibility. These two developments helped Woods Hole become a popular summer retreat for wealthy Bostonians. The wealthy summer residents brought with them their Victorianera architecture and landscaping, which is still evident in the town today.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) was founded in 1888, making Woods Hole a worldrenowned center for scientific research. The MBL was originally housed in an old hotel, but has since expanded to include several other buildings. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) was founded in 1930. Like the MBL, it has also grown to include several buildings, most notably the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, which was built in 1971.
Today, Woods Hole is home to a vibrant community of yearround residents and summer visitors. It remains an important center for scientific research, and is also a popular tourist destination.
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