Provincetown is a living piece of history. Its well-protected harbor is where the Mayflower first landed and where the pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact.

In spite of its harbor and bountiful fishing grounds, a permanent settlement was not founded in Provincetown until 1700. The town grew gradually during the next two centuries. By the end of the 19th century, Provincetown was attracting writers and artists as well as people looking for work in the fishing industry.