Tourist Attractions in Chatham, MA

The town of Chatham was originally called Monomoit, after the Manomoy or Monomoy people who lived there. French explorer Samuel de Champlain named the area Port Fortune when he came in 1606. Later on, European settlers renamed it again to Sutcliffe’s Inlets but because they never stayed there for long, the name did not stick either. English settlers later inhabited the area and the town was named after Chatham, Kent, England. Because of its location, Chatham became a center for shipping, fishing and whaling. Several buildings were built in the area during the 18th century and it became popular as a summer resort. Chatham is where the Chatham Lighthouse, established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808, is located. The town is also home to Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge which is a habitat for migratory birds. Other historical sites to explore include Atwood House, Caleb Nickerson House, Chatham Railroad Museum, Josiah Mayo House and Old Grist Mill.

There are 2 tourist attractions found in Chatham, MA. Basically they are all museums.